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Are you considering a real estate career? Becoming a real estate agent in the UK might be easier than you think.
Real estate can be a lucrative career path in the UK as the demand for properties is constantly growing across the country. The good news is that the UK does not require formal licensing for realtors like most other countries. However, there are several steps you may want to take to ensure you navigate this career path smoothly.
This guide will walk you through the steps of becoming a real estate agent in the UK and the types of real estate professions you can practise.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1. Understand the role and the industry
If you’re pursuing a career as a real estate agent, the first thing you’d want to do is understand what the role encompasses. Real estate agents make the process of buying, selling, and renting properties smooth for real estate consumers. They assist people or businesses looking to buy, sell, or rent properties in finding a suitable deal while guiding them through the legal processes.
Real estate agents in the UK work across different sectors, such as residential, commercial, lettings, or auctioneering. The type of role you pursue will determine the skills and qualifications you need for a successful career.
To become a realtor, you’ll also need to be an adult (at least 18 years old) and have the necessary permits to work in the UK if you’re not a UK citizen.
Step 2. Assess your skills
Formal education is not necessary to become a real estate agent in the UK. However, certain skills and personal qualities are essential for a successful real estate career. These include communication skills, negotiation skills, sales and marketing knowledge, and customer service.
If you feel you need to improve in any of these areas, consider taking short courses or workshops to develop these skills.
Step 3. Research the real estate market
The next thing you’ll want to do is understand the UK property market. The market fluctuates based on economic conditions, government policies, and demographic changes.
Before starting your career, consider studying the market to understand the trends in property prices, locations, and high-demand properties. Also, knowledge of property law, especially contract law, is essential. Therefore, study the basics of legal contracts and property rights.
Step 4. Choose a real estate career path
In the UK, there are various roles in real estate and each may require slightly different skill sets. The next step is to consider which type of real estate field you want to go into. Here are the most common real estate roles:
- Residential estate agent: Focuses on helping individuals buy, sell, or rent homes.
- Commercial property agent: Deals with office spaces, retail units, industrial properties, and more.
- Lettings agent: Specialises in rental properties, managing leases, and dealing with tenants and landlords.
- Property auctioneer: Facilitates property sales via auctions, often dealing with foreclosures or quick sales.
Choosing a specialty early on can help you focus your learning and gain expertise in a specific area.
Step 5. Gain qualifications (optional but recommended)
As mentioned earlier, a formal degree is not required to become a real estate agent in the UK. However, gaining essential qualifications can set you apart from the competition. To navigate this step, you can take a real estate course and get certified.
Several training providers, such as the National Federation of Property Professionals (NFoPP) and Propertymark, offer courses in real estate and property management. These courses cover areas such as property law, valuations, and sales techniques.
After completing your real estate course and property management, get certified from a professional body such as the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) or the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Step 6. Gain work experience
Gaining hands-on experience in real estate will help you understand the responsibilities of an agent. If you don’t have any prior experience working in real estate, consider apprenticeships or applying for a trainee position.
Many estate agencies offer trainee or junior roles. These are the entry-level positions that provide valuable on-the-job training on the basics of property valuations, client management, and negotiation. Real estate apprenticeships typically last between one and two years and will provide you with formal qualifications upon completion.
You may also want to consider shadowing an experienced agent to learn about their daily responsibilities and challenges. If you know someone in the real estate industry, ask if you can shadow them for some time just to understand how things work in the real estate world.
Step 7. Understand the UK property laws and regulations
You must have a basic understanding of property laws as a real estate agent, especially around contracts, conveyancing, and property rights. If you want to navigate this with formal education, take basic or specialised property law courses. However, it’s also important to stay updated on legal changes as property laws and regulations frequently change in the UK. Always follow updates from the Government’s Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) or professional bodies like RICS.
Step 8. Join a professional body
Joining a professional body is not a legal requirement but it can play a great role in enhancing your career prospects. Memberships in these organisations come with access to training, industry insights, and networking opportunities. Key organisations include National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA), Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and Property Redress Scheme.
Joining a redress scheme is a legal requirement if you open your own agency.
Step 9. Start working at an estate agency
Once you’ve gained the necessary real estate knowledge and entry-level work experience, it’s time to start your career at an estate agency. Most estate agents begin their careers by working for established agencies. Keep in mind that large national agencies (such as Foxtons or Savills) offer structured training programs, but smaller independent agencies can provide more hands-on experience.
As you gain experience, focus on building a portfolio of successful property transactions. This will help when you’re ready to take on larger roles or eventually branch out on your own.
Step 10. Specialise further and start your own agency
Once you’ve gained some experience, you may want to specialise in a specific area of real estate, such as luxury real estate, buy-to-let or international real estate.
With enough experience, you can start your own real estate agency. If you plan to go on your own, you’ll need to register as a sole trader or a limited company. You’ll also need to comply with legal requirements, such as joining a property redress scheme and following anti-money laundering regulations.
Frequently asked questions
To start off in real estate, first ensure you’re a legal adult and eligible to work in the UK. Then, apply for entry level real estate jobs, take real estate courses to understand property laws, valuations, and client interactions, and network.
Unlike in some countries, the UK does not have a formal licensing requirement for real estate agents. However, if you choose to join a professional body like the NAEA, there will be costs associated with memberships (around £200 to £400 per year) and real estate training courses which can cost between £500 and £1,500.
Real estate can be a rewarding career if you have strong sales skills, people skills, and a passion for property. It offers flexibility, excellent growth potential and high income potential. However, success in real estate depends on market conditions, location, and personal drive.
Estate agents may need to work long hours, handle multiple transactions simultaneously, and deal with difficult clients or unpredictable property chains. It can sometimes be stressful, especially if you have poor time management skills.
While there are no educational barriers or licence requirements, breaking into real estate can be tough as it’s a highly competitive market. Building a reputation and developing a client base will take time and effort.
Yes, real estate remains in demand in the UK due to population growth, urban development, and the ever-present need for housing.
If you have no prior experience, start as a trainee, learn about the industry, and develop skills in sales, marketing, and customer service.
No, you don’t need a degree to become a real estate agent in the UK. However, having a background in business, marketing, or property studies can give you an edge. Vocational training through real estate courses or apprenticeships can also be beneficial.
