How to get into real estate in NSW: A practical guide to starting your career

A career in real estate in New South Wales can be both rewarding and fast-paced, offering opportunities in residential sales, property management, leasing, and many other roles. Whether you’re changing careers or just starting out, understanding the right pathway is the key to getting started successfully. 

Here’s a practical guide – from someone who began at the bottom of the real estate ladder and worked their way up to owning their own real estate recruitment agency – on how to become a real estate agent in NSW and what you need to know before you begin.

Understand the wide variety of roles in real estate

Before you start studying or applying for jobs, it helps to understand the different career paths available. Most people entering the industry start in one of the following roles:

• Sales Assistant or Sales Associate – Supporting licensed agents, handling inquiries, inspections and administration

• Residential Sales Agent – Listing and selling property on behalf of clients

• Property Manager – Managing rental properties, tenants and landlords

• Leasing Consultant – Coordinating rental inspections and applications

• Administrative or support roles – Office coordination, marketing, trust accounting or reception

Just like me, many successful agents begin in entry-level support roles before progressing into sales or management.

Complete your required qualification

To work in real estate in NSW, you must complete a nationally recognised qualification (Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice (CPP41419), known as Assistant Agent – Certificate of Registration.

This is the minimum real estate requirement in NSW, to work in the industry under supervision. It covers key areas such as:

• Property sales and marketing

• Property management fundamentals

• Legal and compliance requirements

• Customer service and communication skills

Courses are available through TAFE NSW and accredited private training providers such as Think Real Estate, REINSW, Under The Hammer and Real Estate Academy Australia, with many offering online or flexible study options.

Gain registration with NSW Fair Trading

Once you’ve completed your Certificate IV, you can apply for real estate registration (class 2 licence assistant) through NSW Fair Trading. This allows you to legally work in real estate under the supervision of a licensed agent.

If you want to progress further, you can later complete additional study and experience requirements to obtain a full real estate licence, which allows you to work independently or run your own agency.

Look for entry-level opportunities

With your registration in place (or sometimes while studying), you can begin applying for roles. Many agencies are open to hiring motivated newcomers, especially for:

• Trainee sales roles

• Property management assistants

• Sales associates

• Reception and administration roles within real estate offices

Employers often value attitude, communication skills and willingness to learn as much as prior experience.

You can search for entry-level roles on Recruit & Consult’s Search Jobs page, or sign up to receive alerts on career starter roles on our Job Alerts sign-up page. 

Develop the right skills

Real estate is a people-focused industry, so strong soft skills are essential. Successful candidates typically demonstrate:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Organisation and attention to detail

• Resilience and motivation

• Time management

• Confidence in dealing with clients

Sales roles may also require networking ability and a willingness to work flexible hours. But for anyone starting out in real estate I’d like to emphasise the item at the top of the list: ‘Strong communication and interpersonal skills’. I believe that developing these particular skills and listening to my clients, even when I was just a beginner, was a main contributor to my success. 

Business.gov.au has some great tips about communication skills.  

Work with a specialist recruiter

A specialist real estate recruitment agency can help you break into the industry faster by connecting you with employers who are actively hiring both entry-level candidates and experienced professionals. Recruit & Consult is a leading real estate recruitment agency able to provide guidance on career pathways and help match you with the right type of employer in your desired location in Sydney, the  NSW Central Coast or Newcastle. 

Don’t hesitate. Get in touch with Recruit and Consult today!