How to Become a Real Estate Agent in England

How to become a real estate agent in England? This crucial question makes people think twice about where to begin and how to succeed.

The good news is that starting a property career is easier than most people think. First, you don’t need a degree or a licence. With proper training and effort, anyone can begin. For example, courses like the Level 3 Award in Residential Sales and the Level 3 Award in Residential Letting and Property Management give you the key knowledge you need. Also, apprenticeships and short online courses show you how to sell property, show homes, and talk to clients with confidence.

Next, you can choose to work for an agency or start on your own. At the beginning, entry-level pay is usually £18,000 to £25,000, but it can grow fast with commission. Later, experienced agents can earn £40,000–£70,000+, especially in London. In short, this is a career where hard work really pays off.

Now, let’s see exactly how to become a real estate agent in England and get started.

What Does a Real Estate Agent Do in the UK?

What are the main duties of an estate agent? Basically, estate agents act as the link between buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants. Here’s what they do day-to-day:

Valuing properties – Check how much a home is worth. This helps buyers and sellers know the right price.
Listing homes online – Put homes on websites like Rightmove and Zoopla. This makes it easy for people to see them.
Conducting viewings – Show the home to buyers or renters. Explain the features and answer questions.
Negotiating offers – Help agree on a fair price so both sides are happy.
Managing sales progression – Handle all paperwork and keep the process moving smoothly.

Types of estate agents

Sales agents – Focus on selling homes. This role guides sellers and buyers to agree on the best price.
Letting agents – Handle rental properties. They support landlords and tenants with agreements and viewings.
Hybrid agents – Do both sales and lettings. This means they can help people buy, sell, or rent a property.

Other key points: Estate agents often work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends. Also, their pay usually includes a basic salary plus commission. This means earnings can grow as more sales or rentals are completed.

What Qualifications Do You Need to Be an Estate Agent?

You can start as an estate agent in England without a formal licence. Many people begin their careers straight away. But knowing the rules is very important if you want to do well and avoid problems.

First, the main laws to know are the Estate Agents Act 1979, Consumer Protection Regulations, and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) rules. These laws protect buyers and sellers. By learning them early, you can gain trust and show clients that you are professional.

You do not need qualifications to work, but taking some courses can help you get ahead. The Level 3 Award in Residential Sales and the Level 3 Award in Residential Letting and Property Management teach useful skills. They also show employers that you are serious and ready to do the job well.

Finally, joining professional bodies like Propertymark (NAEA) or RICS gives you more credibility. Membership proves you follow the rules and act professionally. Overall, training and certificates help you grow faster, earn more, and stand out in this career.

How to Become a Real Estate Agent in England Step-by-Step

Step 1 – Know Your Local Property Market

Before you start, learn about your area. Check average house prices and see what buyers want. Also, look at what other agents are doing nearby. This helps you understand the market and show clients why they should choose you.

Step 2 – Get Property Training

Get some basic training. You can do online courses, join an apprenticeship, or take entry-level estate agency training. By completing these courses, you can start your job with confidence and know what to do every day.

Step 3 – Make a Strong CV

After training, focus on your CV. Show any sales experience, customer service work, and negotiation successes. Also, make it clear that you can talk to clients, answer questions, and close deals.

Step 4 – Apply for Trainee Jobs

Now start looking for jobs. Search for trainee estate agent, junior negotiator, or sales negotiator roles. You can apply on sites like Indeed, Reed, or agency websites. The more you apply, the better your chances.

Step 5 – Complete AML and Compliance Training

Once you get a job, complete Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and compliance training. Learn ID checks and property rules. This ensures you follow the law and work professionally from day one.

Step 6 – Keep Learning and Gaining Experience

Keep learning on the job. Watch experienced agents, ask questions and practice every day. Over time, this will build your confidence, improve your skills, and help you get more clients.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Real Estate Agent?

You don’t need a real estate license UK to begin working as an agent. This means beginners can take entry-level jobs and start learning while working straight away.

With some training, most new agents take about 3–6 months to learn the basics. This includes showing homes, talking to clients, and understanding how sales work. After that, within 6–12 months, many feel confident managing their own deals and helping clients successfully.

The path you choose can change how fast you progress. For example, apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with formal instruction, which develop strong skills but take a bit longer. On the other hand, starting a job right away lets you get started faster, but you need to learn quickly while working. In either case, hard work and focus will help you succeed.

How to Become a Real Estate Agent in England Without Experience?

You can begin real estate career with no experience at all. For example, many jobs give you skills that agencies really want. Working in retail or hospitality teaches you how to deal with customers. Also, call centre jobs help you speak clearly and politely, and recruitment work shows you how to persuade and negotiate.

Because of this, agencies often hire beginners. They want people who are confident, motivated, and ready to learn. In fact, your attitude can matter more than experience. This means you can make a strong impression even if you are new.

To stand out, focus on what you already have. Highlight your skills from other jobs, any sales or customer service experience, and show that you are keen to succeed. Also, make your CV and cover letter simple and clear, so agencies see you are ready to start working.

On top of that, take training and courses if you can. Online courses, apprenticeships, or short property programs demonstrate to agencies that you are serious. With effort and focus, even beginners can secure their first role and build a strong career in real estate.

How Much Can an Estate Agent Earn in England?

If you start as a junior or trainee estate agent, your basic pay is usually £18,000–£25,000 a year. But here’s the good part – with commission, you could earn up to £40,000 if you meet your sales targets. In the UK, agents earn a share of the agency’s fee, not the property price. This means the more deals you complete, the more money you make.

As you get experience, your salary can grow fast. Most experienced agents earn about £45,000–£46,000, while top agents can make £40,000–£70,000+, especially in senior roles like branch managers. In London, pay is higher, averaging £33,000, and top earners can make over £60,000. Other cities like Manchester, Bristol, and Reading pay less, but the money is still good.

Across the UK, estate agent fees usually range from 0.75% to 2.5–3% of the property’s sale price. Agents don’t take the full fee. Employed agents usually get 10–30% of the agency’s commission, while self-employed agents or those on bigger splits can earn more. This means the harder you work, the more you earn.

Should You Work for an Agency or Become Self-Employed?

When starting in real estate, you have three main options:

Work for a high street agency
Join a hybrid or online agency or
Start your own business.

Each choice has its own benefits and challenges, so it’s important to pick the one that suits you best.

Working for a High Street Agency

Working for a high street agency gives you a steady salary and clear targets. Also, you get mentorship from experienced agents, which helps you learn quickly. On top of that, it is less risky because you don’t have to run the business side yourself.

Joining a Hybrid or Online Agency

Hybrid and online agencies give you flexible working hours, so you can manage your own schedule. They also usually offer a higher commission split, which means you can earn more on each sale. However, you need good self-marketing skills to find clients and grow your business.

Starting Your Own Estate Agency

Running your own agency gives you full control and the chance to earn more. At the same time, it comes with responsibilities. You must meet registration rules, join a redress scheme, and have insurance to protect your work. This path is exciting but needs planning, effort, and business skills.

In short, if you want support and guidance, a high street agency is a good place to start. If you want freedom and higher earnings, hybrid or self-employment could be right for you. The choice depends on your skills, confidence, and willingness to take risks.

What Is the Career Progression for a Real Estate Agent?

Here’s how you can grow in real estate:

Senior Negotiator – Handle bigger sales, work with important clients, and take more responsibility.
Branch Manager – Run a branch, lead a small team, and manage daily work.
Area Manager – Manage several branches in a region and make bigger decisions.
Property Investor – Use your money and knowledge to buy and invest in property.
Franchise Owner – Start your own agency and run your business your way.
Specialisation – Focus on areas like luxury homes, commercial property, or lettings to become an expert and earn more.

How Worth It Is Becoming a Real Estate Agent in England?

This job is exciting and full of opportunities, but it’s not for everyone. First, you need good communication skills to talk clearly with clients and explain property details. Next, confidence helps when showing homes and making deals. At the same time, you need to be resilient because not every lead will turn into a sale. Also, strong negotiation skills can turn an average deal into a great one.

When it comes to money, most of your income comes from commission. Your basic salary covers your daily needs, but your effort and results decide how much you really earn. At the start, this can feel uncertain. However, it also gives you the chance to earn more than a normal 9-to-5 job as you get experience.

The benefits are clear. You get flexible hours, different daily tasks, and good earning potential. Yet, it can be stressful and competitive. In the end, people who do well are friendly, proactive, and ready to learn. If that sounds like you, this career can be very rewarding.

Final Thoughts on Becoming a Property Agent

So, how to become a real estate agent in England? The truth is – it’s simpler than it seems. You don’t need a licence, and even beginners with no experience can start if they are motivated and ready to learn. Also, a short course or a Level 3 Award can help you stand out and get noticed by employers.

When it comes to pay, entry-level agents earn around £18,000–£25,000. On top of that, commission can significantly increase your income. Flexible working also means you can manage your hours and balance life with work.

The first thing to do is simple: learn the basics, make a strong CV, and apply for trainee or junior roles. With focus and effort, you can grow into a successful, high-earning estate agent. It’s not easy, but it’s possible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What qualifications do I need to be a real estate agent in the UK?

You don’t need a licence to start. Basic property knowledge, a Level 3 Award, or short courses help you stand out and grow faster.

2. How much do real estate agents earn in England?

Entry-level agents earn around £18,000–£25,000, but with commission, you can reach £40,000–£70,000+, depending on experience and location.

3. Is it hard to be a real estate agent in the UK?

It can be challenging. You need confidence, good communication, and persistence, but anyone willing to learn can succeed.

4. How to start a career in real estate in the UK?

Learn the basics, build your CV, and apply for trainee or junior roles. Apprenticeships and short courses can give you a head start.

5. What is the rule of 7 in real estate?

A client usually needs to hear from you seven times before deciding. It’s all about consistency in marketing and follow-ups.

6. Can I become an estate agent with no experience?

Yes! Transferable skills from retail, hospitality, or sales can help. Agencies value motivation and willingness to learn more than experience.

7. What is the biggest mistake a real estate agent can make?

Ignoring follow-ups, poor communication, or overpricing properties. Staying organised and client-focused is key to success.