The number of registrations rose from 21,619 in the 2002 financial year to 38,399 in the 15 months to end-March last year, a year-on-year increase of about 80%.

Chairman Linda Nyembe said more previously disadvantaged people appeared to be entering the white-dominated industry .

The report said more than 85,000 disciplinary complaint files had been opened by the board since 1977. The complaints by consumers against estate agents related mainly to alleged breaches of their ethical code of conduct.

The board considered 1,408 complaints in the review period, which resulted in 1,287 convictions, 121 acquittals and the withdrawal of 44 fidelity fund certificates meaning the estate agent concerned can no longer practise.

The fidelity fund was set up to recompense clients for theft or misappropriation of trust money by estate agents.

Since 1978 the board has received 13,784 claims against the fund, amounting to R175m, of which R90m were approved for payment and R80m were rejected.

In the period under review 657 new claims were received, amounting to R8,2m. The fidelity fund has R360m in the kitty.