Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Selling or Influencing Others Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

The Work

An Auctioneer/Estate Agent/Valuer values goods that are to be sold at an auction and organises all aspects of the sale. The work involves:  
 
- Identifying and booking suitable sales rooms.  
- Arranging insurance, transportation and security of goods.  
- Producing publicity material.  
- Preparing catalogues.  
- Valuing goods including antiques, furniture, machinery and animals.  
- They should be familiar with soning and tax laws, and means of obtaining finance.  
 
Auctioneers should have a thorough knowledge of the property market in their area. They should be able to advise clients on resale and investment opportunities.  
 
Some Auctioneers/Estate Agents/Valuers specialise in one type of goods. For example, specialists in fine arts and chattels need to know about jewellery, books, carpets, furniture, china and glass.  
 
An Auctioneer/Estate Agent/Valuer employed in estate management makes lettings of property, collects rents and advises generally on the development of property. He may act as a Receiver appointed by a Court or by the holder of the mortgage. The field is as much about people as it is about property. Home purchase/sale involves large sums of money and is a tremendous step in the lives of people. Professional advice is necessary for each transaction.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Prepare documents such as representation contracts, purchase agreements, closing statements, deeds, and leases.
• Present purchase offers to sellers for consideration.
• Act as an intermediary in negotiations between buyers and sellers, generally representing one or the other.
• Generate lists of properties that are compatible with buyers' needs and financial resources.
• Confer with escrow companies, lenders, home inspectors, and pest control operators to ensure that terms and conditions of purchase agreements are met before closing dates.
• Promote sales of properties through advertisements, open houses, and participation in multiple listing services.
• Compare a property with similar properties that have recently sold to determine its competitive market price.
• Coordinate property closings, overseeing signing of documents and disbursement of funds.
• Interview clients to determine what kinds of properties they are seeking.
• Contact previous clients for prospecting of referral business.

Further Information

• Auctioneer - from: GradIreland
• Auctioneer - from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Auctioneer - from: GradIreland

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

Apprenticeship Route

The official entry route for a Auctioneer is through undertaking an apprenticeship.

Click here to find information on the Auctioneering and Property Services apprenticeship

Minimum of 5 Passes (O6/H7) in Leaving Certificate or equivalent. OR Full QQI (level 5 or 6) Business award or equivalent. OR Those seeking to use experiential learning to access the programme through a structured interview process.

As they progress they will assist in auctioneering, valuation, estate agency and all the other day-to-day activities of the profession.  

There are a number of relevant courses available to people wishing to pursue this career. 

Training & Development 

FET Centre Post leaving cert Auctioneering NFQ level 5 Search FET PLC Courses 

Apprenticeship Auctioneering and Property Services NFQ Level 6 Search Apprenticeships

Higher education CAO entry Auctioneering & estate agent NFQ 7 & 8 search CAO courses  

An offer of a place on this apprenticeship programme is contingent on the applicant meeting the entry requirements, eligibility interview and being offered an apprenticeship contract by a registered employer following an interview process.

Practical training is provided in the firm where trainees are employed as apprentices, assistants or clerks. They will have the opportunity of familiarising themselves with the office work and of attending auctions and acting as clerks to the auctioneers.  

The Certificate in Auctioneering and Estate Agency is a two-year full time course that focuses on the valuation and sale of residential property. Those who achieve the required standards at Certificate level may progress to the Diploma - one extra year of study. The Diploma builds on the Certificate programme and is designed to meet the needs of those who wish to work in the commercial sector of the industry.

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €28k - €78k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Morgan McKinley/ Glassdoor/ Payscale/ Salary expert

Last Updated: July, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Despite a strong employment growth rate for this occupation, employment levels fell between 2021 and 2022. Employment is spread across a number of roles including marketing associate professionals, buyers & procurement officers, conference/expo managers and estate agents. Employment permits issued in 2022 were primarily for roles in the ICT sector such as digital marketing and accounts managers with language skills required for some.

The Recruitment Agency Survey highlighted issues in sourcing candidates for procurement roles. The number of job adverts for this role grew in 2022, driven by increases for buyers/procurement officers and conference organisers etc. In addition, procurement/tendering documentation skills were not confined to this occupation, but were also in demand outside of sales roles, albeit in small numbers.

• Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers

  • 129 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2
  • (01) 678 5685
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here