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Estate Agent

Estate agents value, market and sell or let property, and negotiate between buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants. There is no universal degree requirement; many start in trainee roles or apprenticeships.

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Career fit

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Entry level
£23,000 (starter)
Mid-career (typical)
£23k – £40k
Senior / lead
£40,000 (experienced)
What you'll do

A day in the life

  • Value and market properties
  • Show buyers and tenants around homes
  • Negotiate offers between buyers and sellers
  • Keep clients updated through the sale
  • Follow up leads and build local contacts
The path

Your career roadmap

Every milestone from school to senior. Track progress as you complete each stage.

  1. 1

    GCSEs

    education
    Usually 2 years at school; adult courses vary

    Develop English, maths and communication skills useful for property listings, customer enquiries and handling offers.

  2. 2

    Relevant Level 2 education

    education
    Often 1 year full-time; optional

    Optionally study Level 2 business or customer service to practise administration and client communication before applying for estate agency apprenticeships.

  3. 3

    Junior Estate Agent apprenticeship

    qualification
    Usually around 12–18 months

    Work for an estate agency while completing Level 2 training in property marketing, viewings, customer service and sales administration.

  4. 4

    Estate agency training

    education
    Initial weeks to months, with ongoing updates

    Complete agency-specific training in property software, customer checks, accurate marketing and sales or lettings procedures, often during your apprenticeship.

  5. 5

    Trainee / junior estate agent

    role
    Often overlaps with the apprenticeship; progression varies

    Support enquiries, arrange viewings, update property records and assist negotiators under supervision, often as part of the apprenticeship itself.

  6. 6

    Estate Agent

    role
    Ongoing; progression depends on experience and performance

    Manage property enquiries, conduct viewings, negotiate offers and keep buyers, sellers, landlords or tenants informed as transactions progress.

  7. 7

    Senior Negotiator

    role
    Usually after several years of relevant experience

    Handle more complex negotiations, develop business, support junior colleagues and help the branch meet sales or lettings targets.

  8. 8

    Branch / Lettings Manager

    role
    Usually after substantial agency experience; timing varies

    Lead an agency team, oversee compliance and client service, manage targets and budgets, and develop the branch’s sales or lettings business.

What you need

Skills you'll build

Qualifications
  • Junior Estate Agent apprenticeship (Level 2) — optional
Certifications
  • Propertymark qualification
  • Full driving licence (usually needed)