Estate agents have experienced their earnings falling behind inflation over the last decade, according to new analysis by eXp UK using Office for National Statistics (ONS) data. Over the past 10 years, average annual earnings growth in the sector was 2.8%, while inflation averaged 3.6%.
This gap widened over the past five years, with average earnings growth at 3.5% annually compared to 5.1% inflation. Earnings growth outpaced inflation in just four of the past 10 years.
The latest figures for 2026 show average gross annual earnings in the estate agency sector increased by 5.9% to £44,259. This follows a 15.8% increase in 2025. However, these recent improvements have not closed the longer-term gap between earnings growth and inflation.
Adam Day, head of eXp UK and Europe, stated that these findings highlight financial pressures for agents. He noted that commission plays a significant role in earning potential and suggested that the self-employed model may appeal to agents seeking greater control over their careers and a larger proportion of commission.