The Brexit vote is likely to slow recruitment in the estate agency sector.

However, specialist recruitment firm Deverell Smith says agents had already been putting their recruitment plans on hold.

Ana Hutchinson, head of estate agency recruitment at the firm which operates largely across London and the south-east, said: “The residential employment market has felt the impact of uncertainty and wavering confidence since the referendum date was set.

“There is no doubt the result will have a knock-on effect on the pace of employment in the short term as estate agencies, consultancies and developers tread carefully through this period of transition.

“Speaking to both candidates and employers, their overall initial reaction was one of shock, but this is turning to positivity as the majority view is the London property market will remain robust, not only due to the usual demand and supply rules, but also due to Brexit opening new markets and opportunities for the crème de la crème of the residential world.

“Whatever might happen short term, it is unlikely to last long.”