Estate agency earnings have failed to keep pace with inflation over the last decade, despite stronger growth in recent years, according to the latest industry analysis from eXp UK, which highlights why more agents may be looking to the self-employed model to maximise their earning potential.
eXp UK analysed Office for National Statistics (ONS) data on estimated average gross annual earnings across real estate agencies between 2015 and 2026 (latest available), comparing annual earnings growth against inflation. The figures include basic pay, bonuses, commission and other incentive payments.
Estate agency earnings growth falls behind inflation
The research found that over the last 10 years, estimated annual earnings growth across the estate agency sector has averaged 2.8%, falling behind average annual inflation of 3.6%.
Over the last five years, the gap has been even more pronounced, with annual earnings growth averaging 3.5% compared with inflation at 5.1%.
In fact, earnings growth has outpaced inflation in just four of the last 10 years, highlighting the longer-term challenge facing those working within the estate agency sector.
Whilst the most recent figures show that estimated average gross annual earnings across the estate agency sector increased by 5.9% to £44,259 in 2026, following a 15.8% increase in 2025, these improvements come after years of earnings growth failing to keep pace with inflation, with the longer-term picture remaining far less encouraging.
Adam Day, Head of eXp UK and Europe, said:“Recent improvements in earnings will have proved too little, too late for many agents who have spent years seeing their income struggle to keep pace with the rising cost of living.
Of course, commission plays an important role in an agent’s earning potential and the best performing agents will have seen a stronger rate of earnings. However, the reality is that the amount an agent retains from the business they generate can vary considerably depending on the structure they work within.
With this in mind, it’s hardly surprising that the self-employed model continues to appeal to ambitious agents looking to carve out their own businesses. It provides the opportunity to take greater control of their careers, retain a larger proportion of the commission they generate and, ultimately, maximise the financial rewards of their own hard work.”
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