Nigeria, this paper examined the perceptual stands of real estate professionals on the competency requirements for real estate practice in the country.

Design/Method/Approach – The paper adopted questionnaire survey conducted on all Estate Surveying and Valuation (ESV) Firms in Lagos and Abuja respectively. The questionnaire solicited information on practitioners’ views on the knowledge, skills and attributes required for effective real estate practice in the country. The respondents were asked to rank 24 knowledge areas, 10 skills and 10 attributes as identified and conceptualized from literature. Mean rating, frequency distribution and t-test were used in data analyzing.

Findings – For effective real estate practice in Nigeria, property valuation, property management and real estate agency were rated the most important categories of knowledge required whereas communication and honesty were rated the most important skill and attribute respectively. It appears the ESV Firms ranking of the identified knowledge areas was based largely on their practices and experiences, because over 80% of the practitioners considered these areas as essential priorities. The least rated knowledge area was basic accounting, while second language and commercial awareness were the least rated skills and attributes respectively.

Practical Implications – The findings of this paper can be used as a guide for real estate continuing professional development plan and as a framework for curriculum development and redesign.

Originality – This paper is one of the few that have identified the expectations of real estate practitioners with respect to graduates’ competency in developing countries like Nigeria.