Real estate agents, salespersons and branch managers will soon have access to structured professional training following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Fiji National University and the Real Estate Agents Licensing Board.
The partnership will see FNU's National Training and Productivity Centre develop a professional real estate education programme and a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) system tailored to Fiji's real estate industry.
Minister for Commerce and Business Development Esrom Immanuel says the partnership reflects the Coalition Government's commitment to investing in people, strengthening institutions and building a more professional, accountable and future-ready real estate sector.
Immanuel says public confidence cannot be achieved through legislation alone, but through continuous learning, ethical practice, accountability and professional excellence.
He says the real estate sector plays a vital role in Fiji's economy, with every property transaction representing families seeking security, businesses expanding and investors placing confidence in Fiji's future.
Insert: Immanuel on real estate 9th July
The Minister also encourages licensed agents and industry stakeholders to embrace continuous professional development, saying professional learning should be viewed as an investment in their credibility, clients and the future of the profession.
He adds that while the MOU is an important milestone, its success will ultimately be measured by how effectively the training programmes are implemented and how they strengthen industry standards.
Responding to concerns about landlords asking tenants to vacate under the pretext of renovations before increasing rent, Immanuel says the current law allows property owners to apply to the regulator for a rent increase after upgrading a property.
He says improvements made to a house provide added value and better living conditions for tenants, which can justify a rental increase.
Real Estate Agents Licensing Board Chairperson Dr Ilimotama Cawi says the MOU is not the launch of the education programme or CPD system, but marks the beginning of a shared commitment to building a more professional and ethical real estate sector.
He says the programme will be developed over the coming months through legal approvals and platform development, with updates to be provided to all licensees.
Cawi says the education framework will be based on Fiji's unique land tenure system, including iTaukei, freehold and state land, rather than simply copying overseas models.
He also reveals that the Board's Code of Conduct is expected to become a mandatory condition of licensing from 1st August 2026, setting clear standards on honesty, fiduciary duty and professionalism, while the new education programme will help practitioners meet those requirements.
Director Productivity and Innovation Bob Kolotagane says the agreement represents a shared commitment to developing people, strengthening professional standards and investing in the future of Fiji's real estate industry.
Kolotagane says technical knowledge alone is no longer enough, and real estate professionals also need strong customer service, communication, ethical decision-making and adaptability to meet changing industry demands.
He says the National Training and Productivity Centre will work closely with the Board to deliver practical, industry-relevant training that equips professionals with the knowledge and competencies needed to provide high-quality services while maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards.
