Dr Paul Kelly, the Academic Director of the Irish Auctioneers and Valuers Institute, (IAVI) says "Despite the lack of sales activity, other work carries on." In the property valuation sector, Dr Kelly says that work has been coming from individuals and institutions wanting revaluations of property portfolios. He says it could be argued that more careful and professional asset valuations in the past could have prevented some recent calamities.This hard lesson may result in a higher demand for valuation services than would otherwise have been
the case. A high level of activity also continues in the property management sector. More and more apartment dwellers are coming to realise the importance of good management of the
common areas of the developments in which they live. They see that unless apartment block management is properly and legally constituted and carried out, there will be difficulties in dayto- day living. There will also be problems when the time comes to sell. The public sector is also involved in property planning, acquisition, disposal, maintenance and management.

Dr Kelly says that much of this work is not directly affected by the economic downturn. For all these reasons, he thinks that people in the public sector whose work involves property (including planning) and real estate should still consider a serious property qualification. The Irish Auctioneers and Valuers Institute (IAVI), in partnership with the Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) run two part-time courses for people in property related employment. This can be in the public or private sector.

The courses are a two year part-time 'Higher
Certificate in Property Studies' and a four year
part-time BSc(Hons) Degree in property studies.

These courses are presented at the DIT Bolton Street, Dublin every second Saturday during term-time. Many people working in the public
sector have graduated from these courses and have used their qualifications to develop their knowledge and advance their careers.

Published by the Public Sector Times 1st June 09

For further information on IAVI Property Education Click here