More estate agents are exploring partnership and self-employed models as they look for greater flexibility and control over how they work, without taking on the full risk and administrative burden of running a completely independent business.

Spicerhaart says growing numbers of agents are joining its Forge – Empowered by Spicerhaart partnership model, which allows agents to operate within a defined local territory under one of the company’s existing brands while using its marketing, technology and lead generation infrastructure.

The model is aimed at experienced agents seeking more autonomy over their working patterns and client relationships, while retaining access to operational support and established systems.

According to the company, the structure is attracting agents for a range of reasons, including flexibility around family commitments, greater independence in day-to-day operations and the ability to build a business within their local market without operating entirely alone.

Jason Ensom, 33, based in Rainham, had spent over a decade climbing the ladder at haart before opting into the Partnership scheme in July 2023, just before the birth of his son, George. It was a calculated move that’s paid off personally and professionally.

“I take him to nursery every morning, then I’m back at my home office by 8.20,” said Ensom. “In a branch role, I’d have had a long drive into the office, at the same time paying for extended nursery hours. Now I’ve got flexibility and I’ve been able to double the profit over the past year.

“It’s like having my own business. I run my patch, manage my own P&L, and do the part I love: valuing and selling. I didn’t want to be a manager. I wanted to build something, and now I am.”

Kimberley Green, 36, Senior Partner with haart in Spalding, joined the scheme in mid-2024 after returning from maternity leave. Now with a two-year-old and a four-year-old at home, she says the decision to become a Partner having spent many years in branch for another estate agency allowed her to protect both her career and her family time.

“There comes a point where you feel like you have to choose between being a parent and being successful,” said Green. “But with this, I didn’t have to choose. I’m doing both.”

She describes the experience of building the business with genuine enthusiasm. “It doesn’t feel like work. It feels like my third baby. I take pride in it. I get excited about it. I’m delivering a very personal service to my clients, but I’ve also got this brilliant machine behind me doing the marketing, the compliance, the support. It’s the best of both worlds.”

Her results speak for themselves: a growing local profile, strong Google reviews, and consistent recommendations. “There are lots of agency models out there, but this is the only one where I feel I can really be great at my job and be a mum at the same time.”

Bill Flateau, 45, Senior Partner for haart in Benfleet, agrees as it allows him to be there for his three young daughters, now aged 4 to 13, at the same time as delivering a truly standout service.

“When the opportunity came up, it was a no-brainer,” said Flateau. “I wanted to be there if one of my daughters won an award in a school assembly, for example. But I also wanted to build something I could be proud of.”

With over 20 years in the industry, he was one of the first external agents to join the scheme when it launched five years ago. Having previously taught customer service and sales, he now applies that expertise to running his own area, while remaining rooted in family life.

“I work from home, manage my own diary and I still put everything into every appointment. That’s what drives our results: best price, best fee, best service. We have lots of happy customers. Our Google reviews speak volumes, and they’re 100% earned.”

Giles Hart, managing director of Forge – Empowered by Spicerhaart, says this balance is at the heart of their success.

“This is about keeping great people in our industry, people who might otherwise feel pushed out by rigid hours or inflexible roles. We’re offering a structure that’s already working for dozens of agents who want more from their careers and more from life.”