There is currently an average of 5,152 estate agency job openings across the UK – 4% more than there were this time last year, new research shows.

eXp UK analysed current estate agency job listings across the two major job portals, looking at the average number of vacancies available in each region of the UK and what proportion of the national total each region accounts for.

The study found that the South East, London and East of England are currently the nation’s estate agency recruitment hotspots.

The South East is home to the highest proportion of current job opportunities within the sector, accounting for 34% of the national total. London also ranks high in this respect, with 18% of all UK estate agency jobs advertised found within the capital.

While Wales and Scotland account for some of the lowest proportions of estate agency job openings at 2% and 3% of the national total respectively, both nations have seen a huge increase in demand versus this time last year.

In Scotland, the number of estate agency job listings has increased by 120% year on year, while across Wales there’s been a 119% jump.

Again the East of England (+65%) and London (+40%) also rank high in this respect.

While the South East may be home to the highest total number of estate agency job openings, it is the only region to have seen a reduction, down -26% year on year.

The head of eXp UK, Adam Day, commented: “It’s been a tough couple of years for the sector as higher mortgage rates have led to a muted level of market activity and, as a result, many businesses will have scaled back their plans to increase headcount.

“However, while higher borrowing costs continue to stifle buyer activity to a degree, there’s no doubt that the property market has turned a corner and it’s set to be a far stronger year as buyers and sellers look to make their move.

“Our latest research suggests that many agents are now looking to push forward with their plans to hire in order to help them facilitate an uplift in business and there’s been an increase in job openings across all but one region of the UK versus this time last year.

“Of course, there are now other options open to those considering a career within the estate agency sector and the self-employed model provides a fantastic alternative option to those who value flexibility, freedom and a higher earning potential.”