Abdul Hassan prides himself with the vast knowledge and experience he has in the real estate sector.

The Board Chairman for Real Estate Agents Licensing Board (REALB) has served the sector since he completed high school.

“It’s been around 50 years now that I have been in real estate,” the registered property valuer, said.

Private by nature, he said many people do not know how old he is.

“Many people do not know how old I am,” he said.

“Many times, people look at me, and say I look like I am in my 40s.”

“I’m more than that.”

Mr Hassan is in his 70s.

Originally from Bemana, Nadroga, he is on his third term at the helm of REALB.

Mr Hassan worked in the public sector as a registered valuer at the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources, before he joined the University of the South Pacific (USP) in 1999, as an academic staff.

He has served in various committees and boards, and remains chairman of the Valuers Registration Board of Fiji.

Mr Hassan runs his own valuation firm, after he retired from USP, at the end of 2018.

He completed his doctoral thesis on sustainable development of low-cost urban housing in Fiji.

Legacy
Mr Hassan strives to leave a legacy rich in affordable, low-cost housing, for Fijians.

To do that, he continues to call for a well educated and professional real estate workforce, which can uphold impartiality.

“They need to be very fair and transparent with the people they deal with,” Mr Hassan said.

“The money property owners earn their whole life is invested in real estate.”

“If someone comes to just grab or make money out of that, that is not fair.”

The two per cent commission rate is an exception, Mr Hassan said.

The Government late in May decreed a two per cent commission rate on the sale of properties that are below the $500,000 threshold.

“You can make a commission, but not to the extent where it will rob the property owners,” Mr Hassan said.

“We’re now pushing for a higher level of professionalism in the real estate sector, where agents are a good education system.”

“We are developing that now.”

The International Dateline runs through Taveuni.

What Is One Place In Fiji You Would Take Friends To?
Taveuni.

The international dateline is there.

We are very fortunate to have such a landmark.

Many people coming from offshore would like to go there.

Rainforest Eco Lodge on Princes Road in Colo-i-Suva-is-now under new management.

What Is Your Favourite Spot For A Coffee Or Pie?
Rainforest Eco Lodge, Colo-i-Suva.

It has an atmosphere where you can relax.

What Is Your Favourite Backyard Spot?
Home.

I also enjoy watching boxing and rugby.

Maybe some soccer; but definitely boxing.

Yasawa Group of Islands. Source: https://offgoesannie.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/DJI_0097.jpg

What Is One Place In Fiji On Your Bucket List?
Yasawas.

I have not received the opportunity to visit.

I want to at least visit to see how things are.

Feedback: frederica.elbourne@fijisun.com.fj