The UK’s estate agency industry has long been associated with high-street offices, suited agents, and a traditional 9-to-5 working structure. However, over the past few years, a significant shift has been taking place — the emergence of remote and self-employed estate agents. This new model is revolutionising the way agents work, giving them more freedom, greater earning potential, and the ability to work from wherever they choose. But with these changes come new challenges and risks.
The Traditional Estate Agency Model
Historically, estate agents in the UK worked under a rigid employed model. They had a basic salary, often quite modest, and earned commissions on top for successful sales. This model provided stability but came with significant downsides: long hours in the office, pressure to meet targets, and limited earning potential.
High-street agencies invested heavily in maintaining physical offices, and agents were expected to be in the office for set hours, regardless of whether their time would be better spent out networking, viewing properties, or meeting clients. The focus was on volume, and agents were often pushed to sell as many properties as possible to keep the business profitable.
The Emergence of the Self-Employed Model
In recent years, the industry has seen a rise in self-employed models where agents work remotely and set their own hours. This approach has been pioneered by companies like Keller Williams, EXP Realty, and The Agency UK, offering estate agents a completely different way of working.
In this model, agents effectively run their own businesses under the umbrella of a larger brand. They don’t receive a basic salary but instead earn a much higher percentage of the commission from each property sale — often around 60-80%, compared to the 3-5% they might earn in a traditional employed role. Once certain performance thresholds are met, agents can even retain up to 90% of the commission.
Let’s take a closer look at how this model works:
How the Self-Employed Model Works
- No Basic Salary – Agents give up the security of a regular monthly income. Instead, their earnings are entirely commission-based, meaning they only get paid when they successfully complete a sale.
- Higher Commission Rates – The risk of not having a guaranteed income is offset by the potential for significantly higher earnings. For example, an agent working under Keller Williams or EXP Realty might keep 70-90% of the commission on a sale, compared to the 3-5% they would keep as an employed agent.
- Flexibility – Self-employed agents have the freedom to choose when and where they work. Many opt to work from home, meeting clients at properties or in coffee shops rather than in a traditional office setting.
- Entrepreneurial Spirit – Agents under this model are, in effect, running their own businesses. They need to manage their own marketing, lead generation, and client relationships. They have the support of a larger brand but are ultimately responsible for their own success.
Benefits of the Self-Employed Model
The shift to a self-employed model appeals to many estate agents who are tired of the constraints of traditional roles. The benefits include:
- Greater Earning Potential – With commission rates as high as 90%, top-performing agents can earn substantially more than they would in a traditional role.
- Flexibility and Work-Life Balance – Agents have more control over their schedules, allowing them to achieve a better work-life balance.
- No Office Politics – Working independently eliminates the need to navigate the often toxic environment of office politics.
For clients, this model can also be advantageous. Self-employed agents often provide a more personalised service, as they have a direct financial stake in ensuring each transaction is successful.
Challenges and Risks
While the rewards can be great, the self-employed model isn’t without its risks:
- No Guaranteed Income – Agents must be prepared for the possibility of earning nothing in months when sales are slow.
- Business Costs – Self-employed agents are responsible for their own business expenses, such as marketing, technology, and travel.
- Self-Motivation – Without a boss looking over their shoulder, agents need to be highly self-motivated to succeed.
Companies Leading the Way
Several companies have embraced the self-employed model and are attracting agents across the UK:
Keller Williams
Originally founded in the US, Keller Williams has expanded into the UK market, offering agents a self-employed platform with extensive training and support. Their model focuses on building a business within a business, allowing agents to grow their own brand under the Keller Williams name.
EXP Realty
EXP Realty is a cloud-based agency that operates entirely online. Agents work remotely and have access to a virtual office environment where they can collaborate with colleagues and access training resources. EXP also offers a unique revenue-sharing model, allowing agents to earn additional income by attracting other agents to the platform.
The Agency UK
A more recent player in the UK market, The Agency UK offers a hybrid model that combines the flexibility of self-employment with the support of a traditional agency. They focus on empowering agents to deliver a personalised service, without the overheads of a high-street office.
Is This the Future of Estate Agency?
The self-employed model is undoubtedly gaining traction in the UK estate agency market. It offers agents the chance to earn more, work more flexibly, and provide a more personalised service to clients. However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. For some, the risks of an unpredictable income and the need to manage their own business may outweigh the benefits.
As the industry continues to evolve, it’s clear that the days of the traditional high-street estate agency are numbered. The rise of remote working, digital tools, and self-employed models is reshaping the landscape, offering both agents and clients new ways to engage with the property market.
For those willing to embrace change and take on the risks, the rewards can be significant. But for others, the stability and predictability of a traditional role may still hold more appeal.
One thing is certain: the estate agency industry in the UK is undergoing a transformation, and those who adapt to the new way of working are likely to be the ones who thrive in the years to come.
