In the dynamic realm of Ghana’s real estate sector, the role of the professional surveyor is evolving rapidly. The 56th Annual General Meeting and the 20th Surveyors’ Week of the Ghana Institution of Surveyors (GhIS) held between 8th to 16th March 2025 at Alisa Hotel, North Ridge, Accra, was not only a celebration of professional excellence but also a powerful reminder of the need for continual growth, innovation, and adaptability. At the centre of this year’s conversations was another interesting presentation delivered by the Managing Consultant of AnL Valuation & Property Consult – Surv. Naa Lamikai Adofo, on the theme: “Maximising Surveying Competence in Estate Brokerage and Facilities Management in an Ever-Evolving Real Estate Landscape.”
This article explores the critical insights shared during the event, focusing on how Valuation and Estate Surveying professionals can thrive under legislative reforms, leverage technology, and embrace sustainability to secure their future in the industry.
A key driver of this transformation is the Real Estate Agency Act, 2020 (Act 1047), which has reshaped brokerage practices by establishing the Real Estate Agency Council (REAC). The Act enforces mandatory licensing, ethical standards, and standardised forms for property transactions. For VES professionals, this means greater responsibility to uphold transparency, avoid cash transactions, and stay informed on compliance issues. As Surv. Adofo noted, “Thriving under Act 1047 requires VES professionals to adopt cashless systems, embrace continuous learning, and demonstrate ethical leadership.”
The integration of technology has further revolutionised estate brokerage and facilities management. Tools such as Buildium, AppFolio, and Yardi Voyager simplify property management, while platforms like MRI Software support maintenance and sustainability tracking. Emerging trends such as Blockchain, AI, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are reshaping how properties are valued, leased, and monitored. These tools enhance accuracy, reduce fraud, and improve service delivery, setting tech-savvy surveyors apart.
Equally vital is the growing focus on sustainability. With Ghana’s urban expansion and the rising importance of ESG compliance, facilities management is now a strategic function that intersects with environmental stewardship. Green building certifications, energy-efficient systems, and smart technologies are not only attractive to investors but are also essential to achieving SDG 9 (Innovation & Infrastructure) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities).
As Facilities Management evolves, it is no longer limited to maintenance. It supports broader objectives such as cost-efficiency, resilience, and occupant wellbeing. Meanwhile, estate brokerage, under Act 1047, provides a clear framework for professional and ethical real estate transactions. Together, these fields offer Valuation and Estate Surveying professionals significant opportunities for leadership and national development.
She added that to maximise professionals impact in this changing landscape, surveyors must:
- Pursue Continuous Professional Development (CPD) to stay abreast of regulatory and technological shifts.
- Enhance financial and legal literacy, including knowledge of the Anti-Money Laundering Act (2020).
- Adopt and advocate ethical best practices to build trust and ensure accountability.
- Collaborate across disciplines—working with engineers, lawyers, and tech experts to provide holistic real estate solutions.
“In an ever-evolving landscape, the surveyor’s greatest asset is adaptability,” Surv. Adofo emphasised. Competence today goes beyond technical expertise; it involves delivering strategic value, aligning with sustainable goals, and leading change.
In her final remarks, she added that the future of Ghana’s real estate sector belongs to those ready to embrace change, lead with vision, and innovate with purpose. Surveyors who align their practice with modern trends and national priorities will not only thrive but also shape the future of our cities and communities.
Let us not wait for change. Let us lead it. Now more than ever, the call is clear: adapt, innovate, and lead.
Author: Surv. Naa Lamikai Adofo