Q&A for How to Become a Real Estate Agent in the UK

While the UK doesn't require a specific educational background or license to be a real estate agent, you can prepare yourself to be a successful agent. Establish a good foundation of UK real estate knowledge by getting a degree in estate and property management and by developing your communication skills so you're able to talk to clients well. You can also take an apprenticeship at an estate agency firm to make connections and learn the business.

Realtors generally get paid from commissions on the properties they sell. Commissions range from agent to agent but are usually between 5-6% of the sale price of a property. The sellers or buyers of the property often pay any fees or taxes that are required and pay their agent nothing. However, some realtors may work for firms that pay them a salary.

Like any career, being a realtor is what you make of it. Some people love the ability to set their own hours and choose which properties they represent, but it's often hard work and long hours. And because most realtors only get paid a commission of a sale that they make, paychecks aren't always regular and consistent. Realtors also have to be personable and enjoy talking to people in order to make sales and contacts.

That's up to the individual realtor. Most realtors consider it full-time work.

It stands for Fellow of the National Association of Estate Agents.