Auctioneer, Valuer or Estate Agent?

The differences between an auctioneer, a valuer, and an estate agent in Ireland have been largely defined by the types of activities property service providers focused on.

Traditionally, an auctioneer is a professional who specializes in conducting auctions. They are responsible for managing the auction process and ensuring that bids are properly recorded and handled. In Ireland, auctioneers are also licensed to sell property and can act as estate agents.

Whereas traditionally, an estate agent is a professional who assists clients with buying, selling, or renting property. They typically work with sellers to market and sell their property, and with buyers to help them find a suitable property. Estate agents in Ireland are also responsible for managing the legal and administrative aspects of property transactions.

Today, in practice, there is little or no difference between auctioneers and estate agents. Both professions are licensed and regulated by the Property Services Regulatory Authority to conduct any of the four licensable property services which include:

(a) auction of property other than land and/or buildings (auctioneering);
(b) purchase or sale, by whatever means, of land and/or buildings (estate agency);
(c) letting of land and/or buildings (letting agency);
(d) provision of services related to the management of an apartment development,
housing estate or other estate containing housing which is carried out on behalf of a
management body. This includes administrative services and the procurement of the
maintenance, servicing, repair, improvement, or insurance of the development (property management agency).

Generally speaking, most property consultants are licensed in all 4 areas of activities with some, particularly in rural areas, having no demand for property management services.

A valuer, on the other hand, is a professional who specializes in valuing property. They assess the market value of a property, taking into account factors such as its location, condition, and current market trends. Valuers may be employed by banks, insurance companies, or other organizations to determine the value of property for lending or insurance purposes. While valuers are often licensed auctioneers/estate agents, the valuation activity is not licensed by the PSRA and this function can sometimes be chartered surveyors or other property professionals.

While there may be some overlap in the services provided by auctioneers, valuers, and estate agents, each profession has its own specific areas of expertise and responsibilities.

It's important to note that anyone who wants to operate as an auctioneer or estate agent in Ireland must hold a valid license issued by the PSRA. Additionally, all license holders must adhere to a strict code of conduct and are subject to ongoing regulatory oversight to ensure that they are acting in the best interests of their clients.