A NEW guide to professional property practice has been published by the Irish Auctioneers and Valuers Institute. It is likely to become a "bible" for estate agents.

The 27-section reference manual, setting out detailed procedures as to how an estate agency should be run, was launched by the Minister for the Environment, Mr Howlin. It incorporates technical, legal, valuation and other property related subjects, as well as codes of professional practice in an easy-to-follow, loose-leaf presentation. Provision has been made for periodic updating in line with any subsequent developments. The handbook is sponsored by the ICS Building Society.