Not many estate agents can claim to own a slice of the business they work for, but those working for Harding Green can, with its 40-plus brokers collectively now owning a quarter of the company.

The Kensington-based estate agency, which uses a self-employed or ‘broker’ agent model to operate its business, gives those signing up to its platform the opportunity to hold increasing levels of equity the longer they remain.

Harding Green, which was founded in 2017 by former Chestertons high-flyer Nick Carter (main image), says an agent joining today could own up to 2% of the company within a few years via.

This has been made possible by its Equity Participation Scheme, which provides shares in the company, some of which has come from recent equity buy-back deals with several groups of original investors.

Consultancy agreements

Those working for the estate agency are referred to as ‘partners’ although they operate under consultancy agreements. The first to join the firm and participate in the scheme will be eligible to sell their share options this month.

“The Equity Participation Scheme has been a tremendous success,” says Carter.

“While we could have easily repurchased shares for existing stakeholders, my focus has always been on a long-term vision. “From the outset, the goal has been to build a business where those contributing to its success are genuinely invested in its future.

“Together, we are creating something exceptional, and I hope that, in time, we can truly reward those who have helped us get there.”