The UK property sector has emerged as one of the few industries increasing its workforce over the past year adding more than 5,000 employees at a time when national employment levels have edged lower.
Analysis by estate agency comparison site GetAgent.co.uk, based on the latest Office for National Statistics data, shows that between August 2024 and August 2025, the number of payrolled employees in the real estate sector rose by 1.3%, from 465,415 to 471,319.
The increase places the industry among the strongest performers across the economy.
Nationally, the total number of payrolled employees fell by 0.4% over the same period, while sectors including manufacturing, construction, retail, and hospitality all reported year-on-year declines in staff numbers.
RESILENT MARKET
Only energy production and supply (up 3.6%), water and waste services (up 2.9%), and health and social work (up 1.6%) recorded faster rates of employment growth.
The resilience of the property industry stands out against a backdrop of elevated borrowing costs, affordability constraints and subdued buyer sentiment.
But transaction levels have been rising, and firms across the sector – from estate agencies to property management companies – appear to be investing in staff ahead of a potential market recovery.
CONFIDENCE INDICATOR
Colby Short (main picture, inset), Co-founder and Chief Executive of GetAgent, reckons the data reflects both confidence and preparation for future demand.
He says: “While we’re seeing more tech and AI tools enter the property space, the reality is that this is still a people-first sector.
“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.”
TOMORROW’S WORLD
And he adds: “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 – a strong indicator of confidence in the housing market’s long-term health.”
