Estate agents used to worry about issues like market share and how to get enough property in their books to see off the opposition. Now they are having to be flexible in the services they offer and yesterday's hot negotiators are today's busy letting or property management agent.

Now the Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers (IPAV). is offering a new seven-week course for letting agents, property managers and investors.

Subjects will include the latest on the Residential Tenancies Act , Adjudication/Determination; taxation; certification and marketing. "The course is being offered in response to increased demands from both practitioners and investors in the rental market," says the IPAV. In other words, renting rather than selling is where it's at. The fee is €400, and the course begins on October 8. IPAV members get a 10 per cent discount.