National Careers Week: Dreaming of stepping into the shoes of a property agent? Here’s how to get there…

As part of National Careers Week running from 7- 11 March, Propertymark, the UK’s leading industry body for estate and letting agents, runs through a checklist for those interested in moving their career into the world of property.

Often, starting a new career can be a daunting thing – but it doesn’t have to be, as long as the right support, help, guidance, and training is provided.

Working as an estate or letting agent will never be dull. Both professions involve meeting new people daily and getting to work with a range of properties.

Letting agents are forward-facing and the role requires a great deal of personable and professional interactive skills. Letting agents find a suitable tenant to rent a landlord’s property, ensuring rent is collected and in return ensuring the property delivers high standards. Some landlords will require their property to be fully managed which will mean the agent will be responsible for corresponding with the tenant throughout the tenancy, organising maintenance, inspections, check-in, check-out, and any deposit disputes. Letting agents need a good head for regulation as there are many laws they must comply with.

Estate agents look after ‘vendors’, meaning those wanting to sell a home. Like a letting agent, this role relies on building good relationships with customers will see agents making valuations, marketing properties, handling viewings and negotiating between buyers and sellers to get the best price.

As a national body Propertymark provides support and education to its member agents, giving them a place to find the right tools whether they are just to entering the profession or experienced agents who want to stay at the top of their game and keep above their competitors.

Here are a few tips and considerations to take into account for those looking for a career estate or lettings agency.

• Having a full UK driving license in order to attend viewings or provide valuations.
• Being confident in meeting new people and personable is essential when interacting with potential and current clients.

• Having relevant experience within the sector will put you a step above the majority, if this is something you’re able to do, by just having a weekend position within an agency will show that you have the drive and passion to work full-time within the sector.
• Being punctual and demonstrating good written and verbal communication that will help with your progress in meeting customer satisfaction.
• Having an interest in property or the property sector and keeping abreast of relevant topics.
• Have confidence in yourself and your skills.

Now that the regulation of property agents is on the horizon, agents will soon need to have a qualification of Level 3 or above. Those looking to get into the profession can take a qualification through Propertymark Qualifications, the UK’s specialist awarding organisation offering industry recognised qualifications in property.

Apprenticeships are also the perfect way to learn as you go for people who are new to agency. In 2021, Propertymark Qualifications registered more than 300 candidates to undertake their estate agency apprenticeship – and the appetite continues to grow.

Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, property consultant and former estate agent comments:

“Embarking on a career in estate and letting agency is exciting, challenging, and varied. Careers range from supporting those faced with homelessness to house hunting for celebrities, auctioning precious antiques, Napoleonic forts or tying up the land acquisition for a new retail park.

“Property is a career that will offer opportunities and longevity and Propertymark is proud to represent those in the field who defy expectations to be the very best.”

For more information on apprenticeships including the responsibilities of an employer and what services a training provider will implement, download a copy of Propertymark Qualifications’ guide: www.bit.ly/37mo1sE

For more information on Propertymark Qualifications: https://www.propertymarkqualifications.co.uk/