Estate agent

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Career outlook for estate agent

UK Salary Ranges

Entry-level

£20,000

Experienced

£40,000


Currently employed in Scotland

2,400

Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.

What's it like?

You would help people sell their houses and find new homes by marketing and selling properties.

You’d negotiate between buyers and sellers and use your knowledge of the local property market to get the best price for the seller.

You’d advise your clients on the buying and selling process.

You would:

  • View a house, flat or other property for sale
  • Take photos and measurements of the property
  • Value the property so you can set a price
  • Market and advertise it to try and attract buyers
  • Send details to people looking for a new home
  • Show potential buyers around the property
  • Arrange for home reports, surveys and energy assessments
  • Negotiate a price that is acceptable to the buyer and the seller
  • Arrange conveyancing - the legal sale and purchase documents

You’d handle a lot of properties at once and need to deal with a lot of different people. You’d need to meet deadlines and work under pressure to reach sales targets.

A large part of the work involves residential sales, but in some estate agencies you could also deal with commercial property and auctions.

You might also manage rented properties for owners and collect rent.

Working conditions

Hours

In a full-time job you would normally work around 35 to 40 hours a week between Monday and Saturday. Part-time work is often available.

Environment

You would be based at an office or high street agency but would spend a lot of your time visiting properties to show people around and make valuations.

Travel

You would visit properties to show people around and make valuations.

UK employment status

Full-time

74%

Part-time

15%

Self employed

11%

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Here are some of the skills needed for this job. Sign in to see how your skills match up.

  • Building relationships
  • Networking
  • Listening
  • Verbal communication
  • Written communication
  • Developing a plan
  • Time management
  • Negotiating

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Getting in

Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Qualifications

There are no set qualifications required to enter this role but most employers expect a good general education including qualifications at SCQF levels 5 and 6.

You can enter a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.

To enter a a Real Estate or Property Managment Degree (SCQF level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of four Highers or above or a relevant HNC/HND for example, Built Environment. 

You may enter the role directly and then do part-time study for appropriate qualifications.

Personal qualities and skills are often more important than formal qualifications.

Useful subjects

  • English
  • Maths
  • Business management
  • Economics
  • Psychology

Helpful to have

Qualifications and experience that show an understanding of the industry such as a Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) or degree (SQCF level 9) in estate or property management.

  • A driving licence
  • Experience in customer service or sales