Letting & Estate Agent Podcast Are self-employed Estate Agents setting themselves up for failure? - Ep. 2344
Oct 2, 2025
Is the self-employed estate agent model truly sustainable? A former agent shares insights on the dangers of relying solely on sales, drawing parallels to the 2008 crash. He emphasizes the importance of lettings as a source of reliable, recurring income that can safeguard agents from market fluctuations. While the self-employed approach offers cost savings, the neglect of lettings could lead to future instability. The takeaway? Start integrating lettings into your business strategy now to ensure long-term success.
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Bedroom Startup Grew Then Collapsed
- Anton Plackowski recounts starting an estate agency from his bedroom and growing into an office before 2007.
- His sales-focused business collapsed in 2007–08 when sales vanished and the company went into administration.
Lettings As The Financial Foundation
- Anton learned that lettings provide steady recurring revenue that covers bills.
- He calls sales "the cream on top" and views lettings as the essential financial foundation.
Sales-Only Model Is Fragile
- Self-employed sales agents may earn well short-term but lack recurring income if markets slump.
- Without a lettings book, a sales-only model becomes "only as good as their last sale" and reduces long-term business value.