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How to become a real estate agent in the UK?

Discover how to succeed as a real estate agent in the UK, from qualifications and skills to leveraging Rello for smoother sales.

A career as a real estate agent can be one of the most lucrative career paths in the UK.

Agents can earn an unlimited amount due to being paid via commission, and the housing market in the UK remains strong, growing by 20% in 2024.

Moreover, real estate agents tend to have the flexibility to work independently on their schedules and, therefore, have a much better work-life balance than people with more traditional career paths.

With all that in mind, a career as a real estate agent offers a tantalising opportunity, whether you’re just starting your career or looking for a career switch.

However, there are a few different paths that you can take to start your journey to becoming a real estate agent.

How do I make a start as an estate agent?

Unlike many careers, there is no single path to becoming a real estate agent in the UK.

You can receive sector-specific qualifications or simply train while on the job.

However, it’s generally a good idea to begin your journey by understanding what a real estate agent does and what responsibilities you can expect to take on.

start as a real estate agent in uk

Essentially, a real estate agent is responsible for the marketing, selling, and negotiation needed to sell property.

This includes selling newly built homes for developers, private residential sales, rental property management, and commercial property sales.

This puts real estate agents in multiple situations requiring diverse skill sets. For example, an estate agent may need to conduct a guided property viewing, commercial valuation, and even sales negotiations on the same day.

What qualifications do you need to be an estate agent?

As previously mentioned, no industry standard qualification is needed to become a real estate agent.

It’s not uncommon for people with no higher education qualifications to succeed through learning on the job.

estate agent qualifications

With this in mind, there are a few different qualifications an estate agent could receive that provide an advantage within the industry.

The National Federation of Property Professionals (NFoPP) offers agents numerous training courses and certifications.

Furthermore, certifications from industry institutions such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) can boost a real estate agent’s career.

A few higher education qualifications, such as a state and property management degree, can also help when becoming a real estate agent.

What skills should an estate agent have?

Being an effective real estate agent requires some tangible skills to get ahead.

High-quality communication skills can help build relationships with sellers and buyers, as you must convey information such as market rates. Doing this effectively can build trust, as your clients will feel more comfortable knowing what’s happening.

Agents must also have strong negotiation skills. They act as intermediaries between buyers and sellers, and well-developed negotiation skills will result in more favourable deals for an estate agent.

A quality real estate agent will also develop a strong market and legal knowledge.

skills needed to become an estate agent

You’ll be expected to navigate UK property law as an estate agent, so staying up-to-date is vital.

Similarly, as an estate agent, you will have to make property valuations using references from the local market. So, a solid idea of how property works where you plan to operate will be essential.

What mistakes should you avoid?

Unfortunately, getting a property sold isn’t as simple as getting an offer.

It’s estimated that nearly half of all UK real estate deals will fall through after an initial offer is made.

This process is known as “sales progression” and refers to the systematic process of managing a property transaction after a seller accepts an offer and guiding it through to completion.

During this process, mistakes are common, which can delay and ultimately sabotage a deal. Something as simple as poor communication between the seller and the buyer can result in a buyer pulling out because they feel they can’t trust the process.

Even if you don’t make any mistakes, if an estate agent takes too long, a lender could withdraw a buyer’s mortgage offer due to the time taken, causing it to expire.

As an estate agent, you must ensure you get sales progression right to get your deals across the finish line.

How do I get ahead?

You can employ a few strategies to get ahead as a real estate agent.

For example, joining a professional body such as the National Association of Estate Agents can help provide inside training and networking opportunities to help you hone your skills and develop your career.

Moreover, it’s worth looking inward and reflecting on what you feel may need improvement; you may not be used to consistently communicating and following up with stakeholders, so honing this skill will help you improve as an agent.

becoming an estate agent in uk

Finally, you should consider how technology may help you improve as a real estate agent. There are plenty of opportunities for you to automate time-consuming tasks, such as scheduling viewings and automated follow-ups.

This can help you get deals done faster, and you can spend more time completing tasks that push deals forward rather than on simple admin.

How Can Rello Help?

Rello is designed to make your life as a real estate agent easier. It is an end-to-end solution for the often difficult sales progression process, which results in faster deals and, ultimately, happier clients.

Rello can help you as an estate agent by:

Saving Time

Rello automates and streamlines key sales progression tasks, such as tracking chain updates. This frees up valuable time for agents to focus on growing their business and building stronger client relationships.

Better Transparency

Rello gives you 24/7 access to live updates on the entire property chain. This ensures all parties stay informed, you can identify potential bottlenecks quickly, and transactions can move forward without delays.

Improved Client Satisfaction

Rello provides real-time updates and proactive communication, reducing stress for buyers and sellers. Agents can effectively manage client expectations, leading to happier clients and better reviews.

software for estate agents

If you’d like a free personalised consultation on how Rello can help you, please book here: