18 July 2006 Lincoln University attracts senior property academic

Lincoln University will be in a position to offer supervision for doctoral studies in property, following the appointment of a PhD-qualified Professor of Property Studies.

The appointment of Professor Chris Eves underlines Lincoln University's strength in property and will enable the Property Studies Group to meet a strong demand for graduates.

Dr Ross Cullen, Deputy Director, Commerce Division, says the appointment is particularly pleasing given Professor Eves' experience in both urban and rural property, and the worldwide demand for property academics.

“We have been acutely aware of the shortage of property specialists at this level, and the need to attract a head of programme who is capable of crossing into new topics for research and supervision. Chris Eves has built a reputation of undertaking some quite innovative research, and his background will ensure that Lincoln University continues to produce research which is highly relevant and applicable within the property-related industries.”

Demand for property graduates and specialist qualifications remains strong, with total Property Studies enrolments at Lincoln University doubling in the past three years. There is demand for graduates in New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom.

Professor Eves was formerly Associate Head of School, Economics and Finance, at the University of Western Sydney (UWS). He previously headed the UWS programme for the Bachelor of Business (Property).

His Masters thesis on New South Wales rural land prices, and PhD on developing a rural property investment performance index, have been recognised with a gold medal award from the Australian Property Institute. Prior to joining UWS, Professor Eves was a valuer for 13 years and spent three years as a Regional Agribusiness Manager and Credit Administrator for the NSW State Bank.

Professor Eves has numerous publications in Australian and international journals on topics ranging from valuation methodology to property investment performance. He is currently on three editorial boards and is the editor for the refereed paper section of the Australian Property Journal. His teaching and research interests include rural property valuation, valuation of businesses and special premises and property investment performance.

About the Property Group

Lincoln University’s Property Studies Group offers two undergraduate programmes in property studies: the Bachelor of Commerce (Valuation and Property Management) and Bachelor of Commerce (Agricultural). These offer the choice of an urban or rural specialisation in the property studies field, and both have professional affiliation.

Two Graduate Diplomas are offered as a fast-track one-year full-time course in Valuation and Property Management for those with an existing degree in another field who wish to enter the property profession. For graduates with substantial property-related experience Lincoln University offers the Master of Property Studies which is studied part-time and off-campus.

Current research interests of staff include corporate real estate asset management, property valuation modeling, ground leases, history of valuation methodologies, property law, land tax and rating valuation issues (where the impact of legislative changes effects land owners’ rights), commercial rent reviews and the valuation of lessees’ and lessors’ interests in leasehold land.

Sarah Hannan, Marketing and Communications Manager, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand