The contents of this article were contributed by K. Soma Sundram, Registered Estate Agent with 36 years of experience.
Thinking about becoming a property agent? Great choice!
Property agents, also called Real Estate Negotiators (RENs) in Malaysia, act as the bridge between buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants.
Your job is to market properties, arrange viewings, negotiate deals, and handle all the paperwork to ensure smooth transactions for your clients.
Before you begin your career journey, let’s learn what it takes to succeed in the real estate industry!
Guide to Starting a Real Estate Career in Malaysia
- First, What Does a Property Agent Do?
- Skills and Qualifications Required
- The Pros and Cons of Being a Property Agent
- Understanding Malaysia’s Real Estate Market
- Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Property Agent in Malaysia
- Step-by-Step Guide to the BOVAEP Registration Process
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
First, What Does a Property Agent Do?
The terms “Real Estate Agent” or “Property Agent” are commonly used to refer to real estate salespeople.
However, a Registered Real Estate Agent (REA) is a professional who has completed at least five years of study and training before being certified by the Board of Valuers, Appraisers, Estate Agents, and Property Managers Malaysia (BOVAEP).
There are three main roles in the real estate industry:
1. Real Estate Agent (REA)
A professional who has passed exams, completed two years of practical training, and passed the Test of Professional Competence (TPC).
Only REAs can operate real estate firms and employ negotiators. The full process takes about 5-6 years.
2. Probationary Estate Agent (PEA)
Someone who has passed the exams and is undergoing a two-year practical training before becoming an REA.
3. Real Estate Negotiator (REN)
A person who has completed a two-day Negotiators Certification Course (NCC) and is certified by BOVAEP.
RENs assist REAs in marketing properties and closing deals. There are about 30,000 RENs in Malaysia.
The real estate profession is regulated by law, replacing traditional brokers. Rather than just a business, real estate is now a regulated profession requiring proper certification.
Skills and Qualifications Required
To succeed in this field, you’ll need:
- Good communication skills – Talking to clients, understanding their needs, and explaining things clearly.
- Negotiation skills – Securing the best deals for your clients.
- Knowledge of the property market – Staying updated on real estate trends, prices, and regulations.
- Networking abilities – Building relationships with other agents, buyers, and property developers.
The Pros and Cons of Being a Property Agent
Pros:
- High earning potential – Your income is commission-based, so the harder you work, the more you earn.
- Flexible schedule – You’re not stuck in a 9-to-5 job; you can manage your own time.
- Exciting and dynamic – No two days are the same; you’ll meet new people and visit different properties.
Cons:
- Unstable income – Some months might be great, while others may not. It all depends on how many deals you close.
- Competitive industry – There are many property agents out there, so you must stand out.
- Challenging workload – You may need to work weekends or late nights to accommodate clients.
Understanding Malaysia’s Real Estate Market
Major urban centers such as Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang, and Johor Bahru are hotspots for real estate activity.
These areas attract both local and foreign investors due to their strong infrastructure, job opportunities, and high demand for residential and commercial properties.
Meanwhile, smaller towns and emerging cities like Ipoh, Seremban, and Kota Kinabalu are experiencing rapid development, fueled by government initiatives, infrastructure projects, and increasing demand for affordable housing.
Types of Properties to Know
As a property agent, you’ll handle different types of properties, including:
- Residential – Condos, apartments, and landed houses.
- Commercial – Office spaces, retail outlets, and malls.
- Industrial – Warehouses, factories, and manufacturing plants.
- Land – Vacant land for development or agricultural purposes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Property Agent in Malaysia
Before you start, here’s what you need:
- Be at least 18 years old – That’s the legal minimum age.
- Have an SPM certificate – With at least three credits, including one in a relevant subject like Commerce, Maths, or Science.
1. Importance of Real Estate Knowledge
If you’re serious about this career, learning about the property market is a must.
Understanding property laws, valuation methods, and market trends will help you gain clients’ trust and close better deals.
2. Choosing the Right Real Estate Agency
In Malaysia, you can’t just start selling houses on your own. You need to work with a registered real estate agency under BOVAEP.
This ensures legality and provides you with the right resources and support.
3. Types of Real Estate Agencies
There are different kinds of agencies, each with pros and cons:
- Independent agencies – Smaller, more personal, but may have fewer resources.
- Franchise agencies – Big names like IQI Global, RE/MAX, or PropNex, with wider networks and more training.
- Boutique agencies – Specialized in luxury, commercial, or specific property types.
4. What to Look for in an Agency
When choosing an agency, consider:
- Reputation – Do they have a strong presence in the market?
- Training and support – Will they help you learn and grow?
- Commission structure – How do they pay their agents?
- Company culture – Will you enjoy working with them?
5. Important Questions to Ask
Before signing up, ask:
- “What kind of training do you provide?”
- “How is the commission structured?”
- “How do you support new agents?”
- “What are the performance expectations?”
Step-by-Step Guide to the BOVAEP Registration Process
To legally work as a Real Estate Negotiator (REN) or become a Registered Real Estate Agent (REA) in Malaysia, you must register with the Board of Valuers, Appraisers, Estate Agents, and Property Managers (BOVAEP).
This ensures compliance with Malaysian real estate regulations and protects both professionals and clients.
1. Meet the Basic Requirements
- Be a Malaysian citizen or permanent resident
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have an SPM certificate with at least three credits (not mandatory but preferred)
2. Complete the Negotiator Certification Course (NCC)
- Attend the two-day NCC course, conducted by training providers accredited by BOVAEP.
- Learn about real estate laws, ethics, and industry practices.
- Receive your certificate of completion, which is required for registration.
3. Find a Registered Real Estate Firm
- You must be attached to a BOVAEP-registered real estate agency.
- The agency will guide you in submitting your REN application.
4. Submit Your Application for a REN Tag
- Your real estate agency will apply for your REN tag on your behalf through BOVAEP.
- Documents required:
📌 NCC Certificate
📌 Copy of IC/passport
📌 Passport-sized photo
📌 Letter of employment from the agency - Once approved, you will receive a REN tag with a unique REN number.
5. Start Working as a REN
- After obtaining your REN tag, you can legally market properties, negotiate deals, and assist an REA in closing transactions.
Starting a career as a property agent in Malaysia can be exciting and rewarding if you’re willing to put in the effort.
Make sure you choose the right agency, get the right qualifications, and stay updated with the property market.
With determination and hard work, you can build a successful career in real estate!
This article was written by K. Soma Sundram.
Soma is a Registered Estate Agent with 36 years of experience, a pioneer in Project Marketing in Malaysia and has trained over 200,000 real estate people. He specializes in sales skill training, and singlehandedly wrote the National Certification Course (NCC) module for real estate negotiators nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much can a property agent earn in Malaysia?
Your income is commission-based, meaning your earnings depend on the number and value of the properties you sell or rent out.
2. Do I need prior experience to become a property agent?
No, but knowledge of sales, marketing, or real estate can be an advantage.
3. How long does it take to become a registered property agent?
The process can take a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on how fast you complete the NCC and submit your registration.
4. Can I work as a freelance property agent?
No, all property agents must be attached to a registered real estate agency under BOVAEP. Freelancing without proper registration is illegal.
5. What are the biggest challenges of being a property agent?
Market fluctuations, managing client expectations, and handling unstable income, especially in the early stages.
Are you driven to improve your skillset and reach new heights of success? Look no further than IQI. Fill in the form below and speak soon!
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