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Examining the Readiness of Eswatini's Property Valuation Profession to open data access and sharing

Author/s: Bongani Zwane, Partson Paradza

Date Published: 12/11/2025

Published in: Volume 30 - 2025 Issue 2 (pages 57 - 78)

Abstract

Purpose: this study investigates the readiness of property valuers in Eswatini to voluntarily share valuation field data for the potential development of a centralized database.

 

Design/Methodology/Approach: Guided by a pragmatist research philosophy, the study employed a mixed-method survey design. A census approach targeted all 28 practicing property valuers in Eswatini. Self-administered questionnaires included Likert-scale, open-ended, and dichotomous questions. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were processed using framework analysis.

 

Findings: the results reveal that 91% of the respondents are willing to share field data voluntarily. Their participation is moderated by concerns about data confidentiality, absence of standardized data collection protocols, and lack of legal clarity. Valuers expressed a preference for regulated systems managed by a professional or government entity. Despite these concerns, majority of the valuers reported to adhere to international standards such as Royal Institutions Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and International Valuation Standards (IVS).

Originality: this study offers the first empirical insight into the willingness of Eswatini’s valuation professionals to engage in collaborative data sharing. It provides a context specific foundation for shaping policy and improving transparency and consistency in the property valuation sector.

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Keywords

Centralised Database - Data Sharing Barriers. - Field Data - Legal Framework - Valuer’S Voluntary Participatory

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