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By Ojuolape Odetola
Residents of Osun State are urging the state government to take decisive action against estate agents who prioritize profits over integrity and satisfaction of unsuspecting clients.
An investigation conducted recently by front-line journalist, Ojuolape Odetola revealed widespread misconduct, including misleading clients and exorbitant fees.
According to findings, the lack of regulation has created an “all-comers affair,” allowing unqualified individuals to operate with impunity.
A host of residents are calling for the establishment of a regulatory agency to collaborate with the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) to rid the industry of sharp practices.
A concerned citizen, Michael Leshi, emphasized the need for a tenancy law to regulate estate agent activities, stating, “Government must protect citizens from exploitation, especially during difficult times.”
In the same vein a corp member Ayeni Titilope said when she was posted to the state for her one year mandatory service, she was discouraged because house agents were charging her for every house she went to inspect and at the end of the day the house won’t worth the stress and money spent.
Mr Kayode Ire is an estate agent made it known that the stress involved in getting apartment cannot be over emphasized and the hike in price of transportation while moving around are some of the factors responsible for high charges in getting apartment.
While some estate agents attribute the hike in fees to economic reasons, residents argue that the prevalence of misconduct reflects broader societal issues.
Accommodation seekers in Osogbo, the Osun state capital city want the relevant bodies to sanitize the sector and protect citizens from undue exploitation.
Key demands include Establishment of a regulatory agency to oversee the industry, Collaboration with NIESV to ensure professionalism, Tenancy law to regulate estate agent activities, and the Protection for citizens from exploitation.
Other individuals who spoke on the challenge noted that they are awaiting swift government action to address the menace of unscrupulous estate agents in Osun.
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