‘Basic’ salaries rise for estate agents amid ‘talent shortage’
Major recruiter’s 'Salary Guide & Trends Report 2025' offers insights into shifting compensation and workforce priorities in the property industry.
A report from a leading recruiter reveals how ‘basic’ estate agent salaries have jumped significantly, and how the looming Government renting reforms are likely to change the way letting agents are paid.
Ryan Doyle (pictured), Associate Director at Deverell Smith, says basic salaries, i.e. those paid before any commission payments to an estate agent, for negotiators and senior negotiator positions have now increased to £24,000-£30,000, up from £18,000, making those roles considerably more attractive to industry newcomers.
The report also reveals the impending impact of the Renters’ Rights Bill on commission structures, with agencies transitioning from collecting upfront fees to monthly payments.
It means negotiators are likely to see their remuneration spread across 12 months, potentially creating an unintended retention benefit as professionals accumulate guaranteed future income streams.
Talent shortage
One of the biggest challenges currently facing the industry, though, is a growing talent shortage. In conjunction with stagnant wages, it is driving candidates toward roles offering financial stability over commission-based incentives, with many now prioritising guaranteed salaries even at the expense of commission potential.
We’ve noticed a trend toward market segmentation.”
Another big change, Doyle says is: “Within a wider range of corporate agencies, we’ve noticed a trend toward market segmentation emerging, reorganising into core, prime, and super-prime divisions.
“This has generated some frustration among high-performing negotiators, whose earning potential may be restricted by newly imposed price bracket limitations.”
And he advises that if estate agent firms are looking to secure top talent, they should develop clearer progression pathways for administrative staff, consider raising entry-level compensation to compete with other industries, and prepare for increased competition as the market enters a projected period of growth within the next 12-24 months.
You can download the full report here. Read more about Deverell Smith.
It’s a fact that Corporates treat their staff like any other asset & exist for profit only meaning that keeping employment costs to a minimum is in their D.N.A. Small fish in a massive pond come to mind. Independents as a rule pay far better and provide meaningful benefits without the ‘big boy’s’ smoke and mirrors!