The property industry is rewarding, fast-paced, and full of opportunity. But behind the
sold boards and exchange days, there’s a side of agency life that doesn’t always get
talked about.
For many estate and letting agents, the day-to-day reality involves long and irregular hours,
emotionally charged transactions, income uncertainty, and the constant pressure of targets.
It’s a career built on resilience — but resilience has its limits.
At The Propertymark Trust, we believe it’s time to talk honestly about the pressures facing
property professionals, and to make sure that anyone who’s struggling knows they don’t
have to face it alone.
The numbers paint a clear picture
Research by Agents Together found that 64% of property agents surveyed have experienced
a mental illness, and three in four admitted going to work while feeling mentally unwell.
Perhaps most telling of all, 55% said they don’t share their mental health challenges for fear
of judgement and stigma.
A separate study by the University of Cambridge and University College London identified
real estate as one of the sectors with the highest rates of common mental health problems in
the UK, with nearly one in four workers reporting issues — significantly above the national
average.
Meanwhile, Health and Safety Executive data found that real estate is the sixth
most stressful industry in the country, with over 2,000 reported cases of stress-related illness
per 100,000 workers.
These aren’t abstract statistics. They represent real people — colleagues, friends, and family
members within our industry.
Why property can be uniquely tough
Every profession has its pressures, but agency life brings a particular combination of
stressors that can quietly take their toll.
There’s the emotional weight of helping people through what is often the biggest financial
decision of their lives — and the frustration when deals fall through despite weeks of work.
There’s the unpredictability of commission-based income, where a quiet month can create
real financial anxiety. And there’s the blurred boundary between work and personal life, with
evening viewings, weekend calls, and the expectation of being constantly available.
On top of that, many agents work in small teams or run their own businesses, which can
mean fewer people to lean on when things get difficult. The culture of “just getting on with it”
is deeply ingrained. For some, admitting to struggling feels like admitting to failure.
It isn’t. Acknowledging that you’re going through a tough time is one of the bravest and most
important things you can do.
What The Propertymark Trust is doing about it
The Propertymark Trust exists for exactly these moments. As the official charity for
Propertymark members, their families, and Propertymark staff, we’re here to provide
confidential, compassionate support when it’s needed most.
Our commitment to wellbeing takes several forms. We can fund Mental Health First Aider training
for Propertymark members, equipping professionals across the country to recognise the
signs of poor mental health in their colleagues and offer initial support.
We provide confidential grants through our HALO initiative for members facing hardship — whether
that’s due to illness, financial difficulty, bereavement, or other personal crises. And we
actively work to raise awareness across the sector, because the more openly we talk about
mental health, the less power stigma holds.
HALO stands for Hardship and Adversity Life may hurl your way. It’s our pledge that no
Propertymark member should have to face their darkest moments without support.
Small steps make a real difference
You don’t have to be in crisis to start looking after your wellbeing. There are things each of
us can do, every day, to build our resilience and support the people around us.
Take a proper lunch break, even on busy days. Talk to a colleague if something is weighing
on you. Set a boundary — whether that’s switching your phone off after a certain time or
protecting one evening a week for yourself. And if you notice a colleague who seems
withdrawn, irritable, or unlike themselves, ask them how they’re really doing. Sometimes that
one question is all it takes.
If you manage a team, consider whether your workplace culture genuinely supports
openness about mental health.
The Agents Together survey found that 89% of respondents
would like to see mental health awareness integrated into their workplace culture.
That’s an overwhelming mandate for change.
You are not alone
Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, financial worry, illness, or something else
entirely, The Propertymark Trust is here for you. Every enquiry is handled with complete
confidentiality, dignity, and respect. There is no judgement — only support.
Because when people help each other, everyone wins.
Toby Martin
Trustee
