Got Experience? Don’t Apply Here.

Why is it that when hiring for roles in property and real estate, experience is always required? The truth is, that hiring individuals without experience, could be a game-changer for Estate Agents. You do not need an extensive understanding of the industry to be a successful estate agent. Passion, raw potential, enthusiasm, and a fresh perspective are worth more than any lengthy CV. In this article, we explore why hiring based purely on experience should be a thing of the past in 2025.



Real estate is constantly evolving. Only hiring from experience, and closing off job applications to promising candidates willing and eager to learn could hold companies back from moving forward. Fresher candidates, willing to train and learn on the job can bring new ideas, fresh approaches to business, and innovative ideas. They can bring a change of perspective and this in turn, can drive creativity, modernise the agency’s approach to sales, help with marketing, and improve all-around customer service.

If a candidate has passion, enthusiasm, and a desire to succeed, they have everything they need to be a successful Estate Agent. Candidates who have less experience, are more motivated to learn. They want to prove themselves by absorbing information quickly, and this can often outweigh a more experienced agent who may have become complacent in their ways. Passion often builds relationships faster and ensures the employee will always go the extra mile.

Moreover, younger candidates often know how to utilise new technology to make new connections, engage with clients and enter new markets. They know how to use social media in the modern world, to network with clients and help the agency grow.

A candidate without experience is a clean slate. You have the freedom to train and teach them the values of your agency. Experienced candidates often have to unlearn habits and different practices from previous organisations that could clash with a company’s objectives, yet a new hire without experience allows you to put together an onboarding programme where they can pick up an agency’s tools quickly. It gives you full control to train the candidate how you want to so that they can start contributing to success. 

Not only can hiring a candidate without experience bring passion and potential, but they can also increase the diversity of thought across the whole team. Diversity in the workplace brings a range of perspectives, ways of thinking, and new skills to contribute to innovation and company success. This can in turn create a more dynamic and well-rounded team, that leads to better outcomes for the agency. Ultimately, a diverse workforce helps the agency connect with a broader customer and client base, catering to different cultural needs and preferences.

Financially, candidates without experience also have lower salary expectations. This gives an agency a cost-saving advantage and means they can invest in new technology, marketing campaigns and higher commissions for top performers. In a digital age, investing in new technology and tools is more important than ever, and by saving money by hiring candidates with less experience, there is more in the budget to spend on this. 

In relation to new technology, since younger candidates are more tech-savvy, this means they can adapt to new systems quickly, and can streamline operations to improve client experiences. Instead of hiring someone who may struggle with new technology, a younger candidate can immediately start using the latest tools for client management, property listings, or virtual viewings. This will give your agency a competitive edge in the digital world.

Ultimately, although candidates without experience require an investment in training, more often than not, the long-term benefits outweigh the upfront cost. These candidates will want to develop loyalty to your company, as they will be grateful for the opportunity. This loyalty often translates into long-term commitment, lower turnover rates, and a higher return on investment as they grow within the agency.

Whilst experience might come with technical knowledge, the communication skills and people-first mindset of a new hire who might have gained customer service from roles in different industries could help build client relationships and drive business to your agency. Passion, potential, drive, and a willingness to learn can go further than you think. Estate Agencies need to embrace change, energy, and enthusiasm and start giving newcomers a chance. The future of real estate may depend on it.

Looking to build a team full of drive, not just CVs? Email us at info@collinspropertyrecruitment.com or give us a call on 020 7435 0309.
 
Collins Property Recruitment is a business with a purpose: to enable talent and businesses to meet and do great things together. We make this happen through an unrivalled network, a values-led, consultative approach and a hard-earned reputation as the go-to recruiter in property.