Self-employed estate agents will only become more common

More agents are likely to go to self-employed after the lockdown despite them being less protected by government measures, according to Nicky Stevenson, head of the Fine & Country Associate platform.

While the government launched a package to help self-employed people affected by COVID-19 not everyone can claim on the scheme, including those who started working for themselves recently and those who earn too much.

But Stevenson said: “Generally, people are more motivated by fear than gain, so for many the default is to stick with what’s familiar and secure rather than taking a risk to make a gain.

“On the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic, those that have been left high and dry have less risk and may well believe that now is the opportunity to be their own boss and have more control over their time and earning potential.”

Stevenson added: “We have already seen a shift in office set ups, with some agents choosing to have one bigger office, rather than various smaller offices in different towns, and sometimes off the high street.

“We have seen technology evolve to enable virtual working take place easily. The pandemic has forced the industry to embrace certain technology that until now may not have been forefront. COVID 19 has also of course forced everyone to work from home.

“I don’t think that ‘normal’ as we know it will be the same again and that every agent will be more tech enabled and experienced in working remotely. Now is also a great time to be learning. These ingredients in my opinion, is a great foundation to launch into self-employment.”