How To Become A Real Estate Agent In South Africa (2025)

1. Understand the Role of a Real Estate Agent

Before diving into the requirements, it’s important to understand what a real estate agent does.

A real estate agent in South Africa facilitates the buying, selling, and renting of properties on behalf of clients. Their key responsibilities include:

• Listing and marketing properties
• Conducting property viewings
• Negotiating prices and offers
• Advising clients on market trends
• Handling legal paperwork
• Closing deals

Successful agents must be good at sales, negotiation, networking, and understanding market dynamics.

2. Meet the Basic Requirements

To become a real estate agent in South Africa, you must meet the following basic requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a valid South African ID or legal work permit
• Have a Grade 12 (Matric) certificate
• Have no criminal record related to fraud or dishonesty

While a matric certificate is the minimum educational requirement, having additional qualifications in business, marketing, or finance can be beneficial.

3. Register with the Estate Agency Affairs Board (EAAB)

The Estate Agency Affairs Board (EAAB) is the regulatory body overseeing the real estate profession in South Africa. To legally work as an agent, you must register as an intern estate agent with the EAAB.

How to Register with the EAAB:

1. Find a registered real estate agency – You need to work under a qualified principal estate agent.
2. Complete and submit the EAAB registration form – This can be done online on the EAAB website.
3. Pay the required registration fees – The fees vary annually, so check the EAAB website for the latest costs.
4. Receive your Fidelity Fund Certificate (FFC) – This certificate legally allows you to operate as an agent.

Without an FFC, it is illegal to earn a commission from real estate transactions.

4. Complete the Intern Estate Agent Training (12-Month Internship)

Once registered with the EAAB, you must complete a 12-month internship under a registered estate agency.

Key Aspects of the Internship:

• Work under the supervision of an experienced agent
• Gain hands-on experience in property sales and rentals
• Keep a logbook documenting your training and activities

The logbook is an important requirement for qualifying as a full-status estate agent. It must be submitted to the EAAB for assessment.

5. Obtain the NQF Level 4 Real Estate Qualification

During or after your internship, you must complete the Further Education and Training Certificate: Real Estate (NQF Level 4). This qualification is mandatory and covers subjects such as:

• Property law and ethics
• Marketing and sales techniques
• Financial management in real estate
• Customer service and client relations

The NQF Level 4 course can be completed through accredited training providers such as PropAcademy, Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA), and Services SETA-accredited institutions.

6. Write and Pass the Professional Designation Examination (PDE 4)

After completing your NQF Level 4 qualification and internship, you must pass the Professional Designation Examination (PDE 4).

Exam Details:

• The PDE is administered by the EAAB
• It tests your knowledge of real estate law, ethics, and professional conduct
• Passing the exam allows you to qualify as a full-status estate agent

Once you pass the PDE 4, you will receive the Professional Practitioner in Real Estate (PPRE) designation.

7. Upgrade to Full-Status Estate Agent

Upon completing all the requirements, including the internship, NQF Level 4 qualification, and PDE 4, you can apply to upgrade from intern estate agent to full-status estate agent with the EAAB.

At this stage, you will:

• Receive an updated Fidelity Fund Certificate (FFC)
• Be allowed to work independently
• Start earning full commissions on property transactions

8. Further Your Career (Optional but Recommended)

While not mandatory, furthering your education and experience can help you grow in the real estate industry. Some options include:

1. NQF Level 5 Qualification (For Principal Agents)

If you want to start your own real estate agency, you must complete the NQF Level 5 qualification and pass the PDE 5 exam to become a principal estate agent.

2. Specialization in Niche Markets

Consider specializing in:

• Commercial real estate
• Luxury properties
• Property management
• Auctions and distressed sales

3. Joining Professional Associations

• Real Estate Business Owners of South Africa (REBOSA)
• Institute of Estate Agents of South Africa (IEASA)
• South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA)

Membership in these associations can boost credibility and provide networking opportunities.

9. Stay Compliant with EAAB Regulations

Real estate agents in South Africa must renew their Fidelity Fund Certificate (FFC) every year and comply with Continuous Professional Development (CPD) requirements.

Key Compliance Aspects:

• Renew FFC annually to remain legally active
• Complete CPD training courses to stay updated with industry trends
• Follow ethical guidelines set by the EAAB

Failure to renew your FFC or complete CPD can result in disqualification from practicing as an estate agent.

10. Tips for Success in the Real Estate Industry

1. Build a Strong Network

Success in real estate depends on networking with clients, developers, and other industry professionals. Attend networking events, join online property forums, and use social media to market your services.

2. Develop Sales and Marketing Skills

Real estate is a competitive industry, so mastering digital marketing, social media advertising, and negotiation techniques can help you stand out.

3. Stay Updated on Market Trends

Understanding economic factors, interest rates, and property demand will help you provide the best advice to clients.

4. Work with a Reputable Agency

Starting your career with a well-established agency can provide mentorship, resources, and brand recognition that help you succeed.

5. Maintain Professionalism and Ethics

Always act with honesty, integrity, and transparency to build a strong reputation and gain client trust.

By continuously learning, staying compliant, and developing strong networking and marketing skills, you can establish yourself as a successful real estate agent in South Africa

1. Helping Buyers – They search for homes based on a buyer’s needs, arrange viewings, negotiate prices, and guide buyers through the closing process.
2. Helping Sellers – They list homes for sale, market them through online platforms and open houses, negotiate offers, and handle paperwork.
3. Handling Rentals – They assist landlords in finding tenants and help tenants find rental properties.
4. Market Knowledge – They stay informed about market trends, property values, and neighborhood developments.
5. Negotiation & Paperwork – They ensure contracts and legal documents are in order and protect their clients’ interests.

Real estate agents typically work for brokers and earn commissions based on property sales or rentals

Being a real estate agent comes with many benefits, including:

1. High Earning Potential

Real estate agents earn through commissions, meaning the more properties they sell or rent, the more they make. Experienced agents can earn significant incomes.

2. Flexible Schedule

Unlike a traditional 9-to-5 job, real estate agents set their own schedules, allowing for better work-life balance.

3. Independence & Entrepreneurship

Real estate agents work independently, often as self-employed professionals or under a brokerage, giving them control over their business.

4. Helping People Achieve Their Dreams

Agents play a key role in helping clients buy their dream homes, invest in properties, or sell their assets profitably, making the job fulfilling.

5. No Degree Required

Unlike many high-paying careers, real estate doesn’t require a college degree—just a license, which can be obtained in a few months.

6. Unlimited Growth Opportunities

There’s no salary cap, and successful agents can expand by hiring a team, opening a brokerage, or investing in properties themselves.

7. Networking & Social Benefits

Real estate involves meeting new people, building strong relationships, and expanding professional networks, which can lead to more business opportunities.

8. Market Knowledge & Investment Opportunities

Agents gain in-depth knowledge of real estate trends, allowing them to make smart investment decisions for themselves.

9. Job Security

While the market fluctuates, real estate is always in demand, ensuring job security for skilled and adaptable agents.

10. Variety in Work

Every day is different—showing homes, negotiating deals, marketing properties—making the job dynamic and exciting

South Africa’s real estate industry is home to several prominent agents who have significantly impacted the market. Here are some of the notable figures:

1. Rali Mampeule

Rali Mampeule’s journey from a street hawker to a leading real estate entrepreneur is truly inspiring. He began his career in 2001 as an assistant at Chas Everitt International Property Group and, by 2004, acquired a franchise, becoming the first Black real estate top executive in South Africa. In 2019, he founded the South African Housing and Infrastructure Fund (SAHIF), valued at $1 billion, aiming to address the country’s housing deficit. Mampeule is also the first South African to join the Forbes Real Estate Council.

2. Dimitre Janari

Recognized as the top-performing agent for 2023 by Realtor South Africa, Dimitre Janari’s dedication and results-driven approach have earned him this accolade.

3. Gene Coetzer

Despite having only six months in the industry, Gene Coetzer secured the second position in Realtor South Africa’s top performers list for 2023, showcasing exceptional skill and commitment.

4. Marius Foot and Steph Venter

This duo claimed the third spot for the most units sold and highest Gross Commission Income (GCI) in 2023, highlighting their expertise in the field.

5. Marcel Cabano

Ranked as the top agent in Cape Town, Marcel Cabano is associated with Trafalgar Property Management (PTY) Ltd. He has 14 properties listed with an average selling price of ZAR 1,783,929