The Core Competencies of the commercial real estate specialist are

• Financial Literacy: Understanding property financing, investment analysis, and ROI calculations.
• Property Valuation Skills: Ability to assess property value, considering market trends, rental income potential, and the physical condition of the property.
• Legal Knowledge: Knowledge of property law, commercial leasing laws, and regulations around zoning and land use.
• Sales and Marketing Techniques: Strategies for client acquisition, negotiation skills, and closing deals.
• Client Relationship Management: Building trust and maintaining long-term relationships with clients and stakeholders.

After completion of this course students should be able:

• To provide an introduction to the unique characteristics of property, the factors that determine the productivity of property and the different types of property
• To discuss the physical nature of property, the importance of location and the natural and cultural-historical environment of property
• To provide an overview of the role of government in the control and functioning of property
• To exhibit an understanding of property law and legal framework in which commercial property transactions take place
• To provide an overview of the socio-economic factors that influence the supply and demand of real estate and how the interaction of these factors affects the prices, rents, and investment returns of real estate assets over time.
• To provide an overview of the market environment of commercial property and the methodology and tools of commercial property market analysis
• To provide an overview of the property development process.
• To provide an introduction to the investment principles that are applicable to commercial property.
• To provide an overview of the principles applicable to the financing of commercial property.
• To exhibit a practical understanding of the context and strategies relevant to the management of marketing, sales and leasing, particularly as these pertain to commercial, industrial or business property.
• To provide an overview of the role and functions of the property manager
• To provide an overview of the principles of property valuation and the role and functions of the property valuer
• To provide an introduction to the investment principles that are applicable to commercial property.
• To provide an overview of the principles applicable to the financing of commercial property.
• To exhibit a practical understanding of the context and strategies relevant to the management of marketing, sales and leasing, particularly as these pertain to commercial, industrial or business property.
• To provide an overview of the role and functions of the property manager
• To provide an overview of the principles of property valuation and the role and functions of the property valuer

• Only people who have obtained a National Senior School Certificate (NSC) or the National Certificate (Vocational) (NCV) (Matric) can enrol, or being 23 years of age or older, satisfying our recognition of prior learning (RPL) and experience criteria. Foreign students must have qualifications at least equivalent to the South African qualifications.
• Mathematics and science are recommended school subjects, mathematics pass rate of 40% being a pre-requisite for those Higher Certificates where it is prescribed.
• The next enrolment opportunities will start in February 2026.
• Fulltime students will be allowed one year and part time two years to complete the programme as it encompasses a heavy study workload, particularly for working adults.
• The one-year fulltime programme will require that students attend 4 allocated block weeks spread over 2 semesters.

All modules are on structured on NQF Level 5 and compulsory to complete. There are no elective modules. The Core modules are listed below:

Students will be assessed throughout the programme through a combination of formative and summative assessments, which are designed to measure achievement in the module outcomes and the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification. Each module of the qualification will be assessed separately or in combination with other modules in an integrated assessment.

1.1.      Formative assessments (50% of total assessment value)

Formative assessment refers to assessments (formal and informal) that take takes place during the course of the semester to evaluate students’ knowledge of specific module outcomes.  These assessment activities can include tests, presentations, group work, class activities, worksheets, and tutorials.  Formative assessments can be informal or formal of nature.  Feedback on all formative assessments will be provided through means of rubrics and memorandums.  Formative assessment marks will make up the module semester mark.  Please follow the module calendar for assessment dates and details.

1.2.      Summative assessments (50% of total assessment value)

Summative assessments are usually done at the end of the semester to evaluate students’ overall understanding of the module outcomes.  Summative assessments take on the form of an examination or a final project.  Please consult the examination timetable for scheduled examinations.

1.3.      Mark Weight Allocation

In the table below the different formative assessments and its mark weight allocation is indicated:

Assessment	Weighting
Written knowledge tests	30%
Individual written assignments	70%
Total Mark	100%

1.4.      Final Mark

Assessment	Weighting
Total Module Mark	50%
Examination Mark	50%
Final Total Mark	100%

1.5.      Passing the Course

In order to pass this course, students need to obtain a final total mark of 50%.  A semester mark of 40% is required to be able to write the summative assessment (examination) and a sub-minimum of 30% is required in the examination in order to pass the course. A mark of 75% and higher is regarded as a distinction.

Commercial Real Estate Specialist’s employment differs from that of a residential real estate agent. Selling or leasing commercial property usually takes a significantly longer time and concerted effort. Commercial real estate specialists must provide substantial analytical data and financial information to interested businesses.  Commercial Real Estate specialists may work independently, for a real estate firm, or for a commercial broker. Most commercial real estate agents are paid on a commission basis. 

Key Considerations

• Commercial real estate management and sales can be a lucrative career choice given the high commissions earned on larger properties.
• It requires a good head for numbers and an ability to analyse and communicate data that are relevant to clients.
• Commercial practitioners must be licensed and have a high degree of resilience and practical knowledge of the sector, along with good interpersonal skills.

A commercial real estate specialist is a dynamic career in the Built Environment. The continuously growing fixed investments in buildings, infrastructure and civil engineering structures are in dire need of scientific and practically implementable solutions.

Commercial Real Estate Specialist Modules and Themes