Career change to real estate agent: How to make the move

What jobs are there in the property sector?

Before you decide which path to take, it’s worth looking at the different roles in the German property sector:

• Real estate agent (Immobilienmakler): Responsible for selling and letting property – no formal apprenticeship required

• Certified real estate specialist (Immobilienkaufmann/-frau) : In addition to marketing, also responsible for the administration and management of properties – recognised vocational training required

• Property manager (Hausverwalter): Commercial and technical management of rented and owner-occupied properties – no formal apprenticeship required, but relevant training is recommended

Why is a career change to real estate agent worth it?

You may be wondering whether switching careers to real estate agent is actuallythe right step for you. If, alongside a general interest in real estate, you want to work in a resilient sector where you are directly responsible for your own success, that already strongly supports a move into the industry.

Because estate agents in Germany usually earn a commission (Maklerprovision) on successful transactions, the following applies in most casesThe more successful completions you achieve as a career changer, the higher your income from commission (Courtage) will be.

Career change to real estate agent: Qualifications you need

Requirements for entering the real estate industry as a career changer differ by country. In Germany, vocational training as a estate agent is not regulated by law. Instead, institutes and professional associations offer training courses and certificates specifically designed for career changers. Some certify companies, others certify individuals. In Germany, you must hold a business licence (Gewerbeschein) to be allowed to work as a estate agent.

The situation is different if you opt for training as a real estate management professional. In Germany, this is a recognised apprenticeship profession with a clearly defined educational path. The training usually takes three years.

How do you build market knowledge as a newcomer?

Certificates alone do not determine your success. Many real estate agencies in Germany place great importance on practical experience, even if it comes from another sector. What matters is how you can transfer your existing knowledge to residential or commercial property:

• As a former property manager (Hausverwalter), you already understand building maintenance and property management

• With a business or finance background, you are familiar with valuation methods and financing models

• Coming from the technology sector, you bring valuable insight into current proptech trends

• Legal professionals and procurement specialists know contract structures and negotiation tactics

The Engel & Völkers Academy supports you in building your industry knowledge. The course offering covers topics such as property acquisition, presentation, market practices, and current case law.

Which soft skills are important?

Buying or selling a property is rarely a purely rational decision. For both buyers and sellers, it is often a highly personal process. Therefore, to succeed as an estate agent, you need more than market knowledge: empathy and genuine interest in people are just as important.

Those who understand their clients’ needs and match them with the right property will thrive in this profession. These skills can be learned in sales across a wide range of industries. The best training ground remains direct customer contact.

Marketing as a career changer: Positioning yourself and your properties

Equally important for success when changing careers to real estate is effective marketing. This includes not only marketing the properties themselves, but also building your personal brand. This includes not only marketing your properties, but also marketing yourself. Even if you don’t come from a marketing-led profession, that does not prevent a successful career move.

With Engel & Völkers, you gain access to all the marketing tools and expertise you need to present both yourself and your properties in the best possible light.

Typical roles for career changers in the property sector

You have negotiation skills, empathy and an eye for the finer points of the property world? Then you already bring much of what you need for a successful career change into estate agency.

Of course, the industry itself is constantly evolving. New technologies and current market trends in German real estate have to be assessed on an ongoing basis. Those who invest in their development and define clear strategies will, even as career changers, maintain a decisive advantage over competitors.

Your start with Engel & Völkers: Which path suits you?

You are exploring jobs in the German property sector and have taken a closer look at the estate agent profession? Engel & Völkers operates estate agency offices throughout Germany and internationally, and offers various ways to begin your property career. Retraining as a real estate management professional can give you a robust foundation for a long-term career change. It is equally possible to enter the industry directly as a career changer in estate agency.

Find out more about the different opportunities at Engel & Völkers or contact us directly if you have any questions.