The property sector has recorded workforce growth – adding more than 5,000 jobs between August 2024 and August 2025, new analysis has revealed.
Using the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), GetAgent found that the number of payrolled employees in the real estate sector rose by 5,904 over the 12-month period, increasing from 465,415 to 471,319 — a 1.3% rise.
This places real estate among the strongest-performing sectors during a year when overall UK employment declined by 0.4%. In contrast, industries such as manufacturing, construction, retail, and hospitality recorded year-on-year declines in staff numbers.
Only three sectors reported stronger annual employment growth than real estate: energy production and supply (3.6%), water and waste services (2.9%), and health and social work (1.6%).
The increase in real estate employment comes despite wider market pressures, including affordability challenges, higher borrowing costs, and subdued buyer activity. According to GetAgent, this suggests that businesses across the sector — including estate agents, letting firms, and property managers — are continuing to invest in staff, positioning themselves for potential growth as market conditions evolve.
Colby Short, co-founder and CEO of GetAgent, commented: “While we’re seeing more tech and AI tools enter the property space, the reality is that this is still a people-first sector and the addition of more than 5,000 employees over the past year shows that businesses are investing in staff to strengthen capability, build resilience and prepare for the future.
“The property market doesn’t react instantly, and today’s hires are about being ready for tomorrow’s demand. With transactions already up 15% year-on-year and on track to return to pre-Covid averages, firms know that having the right people in place is vital to capture business and drive performance when activity peaks.
“It’s a positive sign for the sector that, despite wider economic uncertainty, employers remain committed to growing their teams and that’s a strong indicator of confidence in the housing market’s long-term health.”
