Whats an Estate Agent?

An estate agent is a person or company that helps people buy, sell, or rent homes and buildings. If you’re wondering whats an estate agent, they do more than just show properties—they check prices, create listings, arrange viewings, and help make offers. In late 2025 and early 2026, the average house price in the UK was about £271,000. Prices are lower in the North and higher in London, so agents’ advice is very useful.

They also help with paperwork, rules, and market information. Whether it’s a small home, a big house, or a business building, estate agents help make property plans happen. Their knowledge can save time, money, and stress, making them very important in the property process.
In this article, we explain what an estate agent does. You’ll learn how they help people buy, sell, or rent homes, how much they earn in the UK, the types of agents, and the skills needed. By the end, you’ll understand the role of an estate agent and why they are important.

What Does an Estate Agent Do?

• An estate agent helps people buy, sell or rent homes. They make it easier and less stressful.
• They check house prices and advise to help you make good choices.
• Estate agents make listings that show homes in the best way.
• They arrange viewings and guide you through every step.
• Agents handle offers and help agree on deals.
• They explain forms and rules clearly so you understand everything.
• Their knowledge saves time, money and stress, making them very useful.

Types of Estate Agents

Estate agents can be different depending on how they work, the type of property and their role in a sale or rental.

How They Work:

• Traditional agents have offices and meet clients in person. They usually charge more.
• Online agents use websites. They cost less, but sellers do more themselves.
• Hybrid agents use both online tools and local experts. They give help and convenience.

Type of Property or Client:

• Residential agents help people buy or sell homes and flats.
• Commercial agents deal with offices, shops, or business buildings.
• Letting agents look after rental properties and find tenants for landlords.

Their Role in a Sale:

• Seller’s agents help sell a property and find buyers.
• Buyer’s agents help people find and buy a home.

Agency Contract:

• Sole agency means one agent sells your property. You pay only if they find a buyer.
• Joint agency has two agents working together and sharing the fee.
• Multi-agency lets many agents try to sell. Only the one who succeeds gets paid.

Professional Standards:
Agents who follow rules from NAEA Propertymark or RICS give safe and trusted service.

Skills and Qualifications of an Estate Agent

Estate agents need a mix of people skills, local knowledge, and organisation. For example, they must explain things clearly to clients and give good advice. Then, they handle paperwork and understand the local property market. Because certificates in property (Level 2, 3, or 4) show knowledge, they are very useful. Meanwhile, having a full driving licence and being organised helps agents succeed under pressure.

Important Skills:

• Negotiation & Sales: Persuade clients, close deals, and get the best results.
• Communication: Speak clearly and listen carefully to clients and colleagues.
• Customer Service: Stay professional and build trust with clients.
• Local Market Knowledge: Know property prices, schools, and local amenities.
• Organisation & Time Management: Handle multiple properties, viewings, and admin tasks.
• Technology Skills: Use property software, online listings, and virtual tour tools.
• Resilience & Drive: Keep going with leads and handle rejection calmly.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Education: No formal degree is needed, though business, marketing or real estate degrees help.
• Professional Certificates: Propertymark Levels 2-4 show you have the right knowledge.
• Experience: Sales or customer service work is useful.
• Driving Licence: A full licence is usually needed for viewings.

Key Qualities:

• Honesty & Integrity: Build a good reputation over time.
• Proactive Attitude: Take initiative and act quickly in sales.
• Attention to Detail: Check contracts and property information carefully.

How Estate Agents Make Money

Estate agents usually earn money through commissions, fixed fees or extra services. They get paid when a property sells or a rental is completed. Also, sometimes they receive bonuses or extra pay for going the extra mile.

Main Ways They Earn:

• Sales Commission (Selling Homes): Agents get a percentage of the property sale price, usually 1–3%
  

For example, A 1.5% commission on a £300,000 sale is £4,500, which is shared between the agencies and agents.

• Lettings Commission (Renting Homes): Agents earn a fee from the landlord, usually around one month’s rent, for finding tenants.
• Fixed Fees: Online agents may charge a fixed fee upfront or when the sale finishes. These fees are often cheaper but must be paid even if the property sells slowly.
• Bonuses & Salary: Many agents have a base salary plus extra pay for good performance, paid monthly, quarterly or yearly.

How the Money is Split:

 The total commission is divided between the seller’s agency and the buyer’s agency. Each agency then gives a part to the individual agent.

Other Ways to Earn:

• Extra Services: Some agents offer property staging, photography or management services for additional fees.
• Price Concessions: Sometimes sellers cover part of the buyer agent’s fee to attract buyers.

Whats an Estate Agent’s Workplace

Estate agents work in different places. They spend time in offices, at properties and travelling for viewings. They deal with homes or business buildings. Their tasks include checking property values, marketing, and helping buyers or tenants. Sometimes they work long hours or weekends to reach targets.

Key Places They Work:

• Office: Do paperwork, answer calls, make adverts and meet clients.
• Properties: Visit homes or business spaces to check values, take photos and show them to buyers or tenants.
• On the Move: Travel between properties and clients. A driving licence is often needed.

Working Context:

• Focus: Some agents sell homes, some manage rentals, and others deal with commercial or rural properties.
• Networking: Agents often work with solicitors, surveyors, banks, and mortgage brokers.
• Hotspots: They usually work in busy UK cities like London, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh.

Common Roles:

• Sales/Lettings Negotiator: Deals with enquiries and arranges viewings.
• Branch Manager: Runs the office and leads the team.
• Valuer/Senior Agent: Checks property prices and gets listings.

Tips for Choosing the Right Estate Agent

It can be a lot simpler to buy, sell, or rent a house if you find the correct real estate agent. For instance, choose an agent who knows your local area well. They should understand property prices, nearby schools, transport links and local shops. This knowledge helps them give the best advice. Also, ask questions when you meet them. Find out how many properties they manage, how they advertise homes and how quickly they reply to calls or emails. Ask about their experience, past sales, and success stories. This shows how reliable and skilled they are.

After that, compare a few agents before deciding. Look at their fees, services, and marketing methods. Some agents use professional photos, online listings or even social media to sell homes faster. Choose an agent whose style matches your needs. Meanwhile, pay attention to how they treat you. A friendly, patient agent who listens and explains everything clearly will make the process less stressful. They should answer questions honestly and guide you at every step.

In the end, trust your instincts. Pick someone who seems professional, honest, and caring. The right agent can save you time, money, and worry and even make selling or buying a home a positive experience.

Online vs Traditional Estate Agents

Traditional Estate Agents:

• Have offices and meet clients in person.
• Give advice and help at every step.
• Do viewings, paperwork and deals for you.
• Often takes between one and three per cent of the sale price.
• Use computers and technology, but also meet people face-to-face.
• Good if you want full help and less stress.

Online Estate Agents:

• Work mostly through websites or apps.
• Often charge lower or fixed fees.
• You may need to upload photos, arrange viewings or handle offers yourself.
• Extra services like photos or marketing may cost more.
• Use virtual tours and online listings to reach buyers quickly.
• Good if you want to save money and don’t mind doing some tasks yourself.

Main Difference:

• Traditional agents give full support. Online agents are cheaper and more digital.

Estate Agent Tools and Technology

• Estate agents use software for property listings, client management and scheduling viewings, which also helps them stay organised.
• Virtual tours and photos let buyers see homes online before visiting, so it saves time and makes things less stressful.
• Agents post homes on social media and online sites, which then helps them reach more buyers.
• Apps and CRM systems help agents track leads and follow up with clients while keeping communication clear.
• All these tools work together, making buying or selling a home easier and faster.

Career Path and Growth Opportunities

Becoming an estate agent can be exciting and rewarding. To begin with, you usually start with basic qualifications, like a Level 2 or 3 certificate in property or real estate. Many agents also get experience in sales or customer service before moving into property work.

Afterwards, you can decide to specialise. Some agents focus on homes for families, while others work in lettings, commercial property or luxury homes. Specialising helps you stand out and earn more. Along the way, your career can grow. You might start as a junior negotiator, then become a senior agent, branch manager, or even run your own agency.

At the same time, earnings depend on experience, location and role. New agents often have a small salary plus commission, while experienced agents can earn much more with bonuses and sales. Overall, this career can be challenging, but it is also very satisfying. Helping people find their dream home or a good investment makes the work meaningful and enjoyable.

Final Thought: Whats an Estate Agent

 Estate agents do more than just show homes—they guide you, save you time, and take the stress out of buying, selling or renting. Firstly, their knowledge of the local market, pricing and paperwork helps you make smarter decisions. Additionally, whether you choose a traditional agent for full support or an online agent for a digital approach, the right agent can turn a tricky process into a smooth and rewarding journey.

FAQs

1. What do you do as an estate agent?

• You help people buy, sell, or rent properties, give advice on prices, arrange viewings, and handle paperwork.

2. Is estate agent a hard job?

• It can be challenging because it needs sales skills, long hours, negotiation and handling stressful situations.

3. Do estate agents earn good money?

• Yes, earnings vary. New agents earn modest salaries, but experienced agents can earn high commissions and bonuses.

4. What is the definition of an estate agent?

• An estate agent is a person or company that helps people buy, sell, or rent homes and buildings.

5. How much do estate agents get paid in the UK?

• On average, estate agents earn £20,000–£40,000 per year, with experienced agents earning £50,000+, including commission.