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byWilliam Tan

Types of Property Professionals in Malaysia: Understanding the Roles and Responsibilities

Malaysia’s real estate and property industry is regulated to ensure professionalism, accountability, and public trust. To support this, different types of property professionals are recognised and regulated under the Board of Valuers, Appraisers, Estate Agents and Property Managers (BOVAEP).

Each role serves a distinct function within the property ecosystem. Understanding these roles helps the public, property owners, investors, and aspiring professionals know who does what, and who they should engage for specific property-related matters.

This article provides an overview of the main types of property professionals in Malaysia, including Registered Estate Agents (REA), Real Estate Negotiators (REN), Property Managers, and Valuers.

Registered Estate Agents (REA)

A Registered Estate Agent (REA) is a licensed professional authorised to conduct real estate transactions in Malaysia.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Buying and selling properties
  • Leasing residential, commercial, or industrial properties
  • Advising clients on property transactions
  • Marketing properties and negotiating deals

Regulation:

  • REAs are registered with BOVAEP
  • They operate under an estate agency firm
  • They are professionally accountable for transactions handled by their firm

Only Registered Estate Agents are legally allowed to operate an estate agency business.

Real Estate Negotiators (REN)

A Real Estate Negotiator (REN) works under the supervision of a Registered Estate Agent.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Assisting buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants
  • Conducting viewings and negotiations
  • Supporting marketing and client communications
  • Facilitating property transactions on behalf of the REA

Important Distinction:

  • RENs are not licensed independently
  • They must be registered with BOVAEP and attached to an REA
  • All professional responsibility ultimately lies with the supervising REA

RENs form a significant part of Malaysia’s real estate transaction workforce.

Valuers (Property Valuers)

A Valuer is a professional who provides an independent opinion of property value.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Valuing properties for financing, sale, purchase, or rental
  • Valuation for statutory, accounting, or advisory purposes
  • Providing professional valuation reports relied upon by banks, courts, and authorities

Categories:

  • Probationary Valuer – Undergoing supervised practical training
  • Registered Valuer – Fully qualified to practise independently

Regulation:

  • Valuers are registered with BOVAEP
  • Registration requires academic qualification, training, and passing the Test of Professional Competence (TPC)

Valuers do not sell property and must remain independent from transaction outcomes.

Property Managers

A Property Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management and operation of completed properties, particularly strata-titled developments.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Managing building maintenance and facilities
  • Preparing budgets and managing finances
  • Collecting maintenance charges and sinking funds
  • Managing contractors and service providers
  • Ensuring compliance with the Strata Management Act 2013

Regulation:

  • Property Managers are regulated by BOVAEP
  • They may act as Managing Agents appointed by Joint Management Bodies (JMB) or Management Corporations (MC)

Property managers play a crucial role in maintaining property value and ensuring smooth building operations.

Appraisers (Movable Property Appraisers)

An Appraiser values movable properties rather than real estate.

Examples of Assets:

  • Machinery and equipment
  • Plant and industrial assets
  • Vehicles
  • Artwork, antiques, and specialised assets

Regulation:

  • Appraisers are registered with BOVAEP
  • Their valuations are commonly used for insurance, accounting, financing, or disposal purposes

Other Supporting Property Professionals

In addition to BOVAEP-regulated professionals, the property industry also involves other specialists, such as:

  • Quantity Surveyors
  • Architects
  • Engineers
  • Lawyers specialising in conveyancing or strata matters

While these professionals are regulated by their respective boards, they often work closely with REAs, valuers, and property managers.

Why Regulation Matters in Malaysia

Malaysia’s property industry is tightly regulated to:

  • Protect consumers and property owners
  • Ensure professional accountability
  • Maintain ethical standards
  • Promote transparency and trust

Engaging the correct registered property professional helps reduce risk and ensures compliance with Malaysian laws and regulations.

Conclusion

Malaysia’s property ecosystem involves multiple professional roles, each with a specific function. Registered Estate Agents, Real Estate Negotiators, Valuers, Property Managers, and Appraisers collectively support the buying, selling, valuation, management, and operation of properties across the country.

Understanding these roles allows property stakeholders to make informed decisions and helps aspiring professionals choose the right career pathway within Malaysia’s regulated property industry.