IIRE plans to set up centre in A'bad

With hopes of a resurgent real estate market in Gujarat, Mumbai-based Indian Institute of Real Estate (IIRE) is planning to set up centre in Ahmedabad. Expecting further recruitments by the industry, the institute plans to make the most of expected demand for real estate professionals in Gujarat.

"We are exploring the market in Ahmedabad and are on the lookout for suitable franchisees who can help us set up a centre in the city. We hope to sign a deal soon in the near future," said Suresh Malkani, dean of IIRE. Malkani, however, refused to divulge investment details for the project.

A non-profit organisation, IIRE is exploring the Ahmedabad market for premises for the centre apart from franchisees. The institute plans to offer courses like Principles and Practices of Real Estate and Fundamentals of Property Management (FPM). The short term courses spanning six months to one year are provided for fees of Rs 12,500.

According to Malkani, IIRE is looking at a set up big enough to carry a seating capacity of 40-50 students. "Initially we are looking at a batch of 40-50 students and will gradually expand later on. The real estate market which had slowed down in the recent times is witnessing a steady growth since some time now.

It would be the right time to launch such courses in Ahmedabad as the industry is believed to be looking at trained professionals who can manage several aspects of real estate projects like finance, project management, tenancy, and staffing, among other things," he added.

Apart from its offline courses, IIRE is also witnessing a growing demand for its online and correspondence certification in real estate. "We are in the process of tying up with vocational institutes, which have an all- India reach to deliver our courses. We have also tied-up with National Association of Realtors, the leading real estate association in USA, to offer real estate certification programs in India.

Apart from this, IIRE is also in talks to provide a Certified Commercial Investment Manager (CCIM)," said Malkani.