Bale said they do not have any empty properties.  "I would not say the impact has been huge.  We have not really seen much of that as it is still difficult to get a house or an office around here," he said.

The demand has always been outstripping the supply.

Commenting on other issues, Bale expressed concern on the ever growing number of fly by night operators. He said they tarnish the image of the industry. 

To curb the illegal practice, he said, the institute intends to embark on public awareness activities. 

He said the they are also working with the police to deal with the mushrooming fly by night operators.  The REIB president also said the police have been warning members of the public not to pay money to real estate agents who  operate in the streets as all their members have established offices. 

Bale said the property industry has experienced a significant growth in the recent past as many professionals have joined the industry.  "We never used to have a lot of professionals,' he said.

Bale also commended the government for consulting them when they come up with new policies.

"When policies are initiated we are invited to make our input." he said.

As the new REIB president, Bale's intention is to reach out to all their members. He wants them to feel the benefits of the organisation.

Bale is a  property manager at Khumo Properties which is a subsidiary of the Botswana Insurance Fund Management (BIFM).  His current post entails managing the company's assets.