Self-employed agency model booming claims high end brand

The frenzied housing market and the uncertain wider economic outlook during the pandemic have combined to lead to a surge in agents wishing to become associates under the Fine & Country banner.

Nicky Stevenson, managing director of Fine & Country UK, says 78 associates have joined the brand with a further nine candidates in the process of being on-boarded by the end of next week. 

She says while many thought Covid-19 and financial uncertainty would lessen the appeal of a self-employment model, it seems that it is having the opposite impact as the situation has challenged many within the industry to rethink their business and future. 

“The associate model provides an opportunity for experienced, entrepreneurially minded agents to own their own business without having the overheads of running a high-street or traditional agency. Low overhead costs and a high earning potential offers an attractive opportunity with more control over your destiny” Stevenson comments. 

The new recruits are spread throughout the country with a large contingent in the Midlands.

The brand says many are experienced agents seeking entry into the upper quartile of the property market.

Sean Newman, partner of several F&C offices, is quoted in a statement from the brand emphasising the plus-points of self-employment. 

“Advantages include flexible hours to suit your lifestyle, not having to sit in an office and being able to work from anywhere, being able to choose the clients you work with and being able to offer a more personal service” he says. 

“It is about quality rather than quantity and you can do the fun part of the job such as listing and selling houses, rather than the other ‘stuff’ like reports, meetings, micromanaging and being micromanaged. More ‘job’ satisfaction, more fulfilment and ultimately happier clients.”