1950s-1960s: Early Practices

In the 1950s and 1960s, most estate agents were solo operators working from restaurants. Agreements were often inadequate, and clients needed solicitors for formal documentation. Sales focused on building sites and completed buildings.

1970s: Growth and Establishment

Estate agents flourished with the rise of housing estates and new towns, opening retail shops and branches.

1980s: Expansion and Modernization

More estate agency companies emerged, introducing commission systems. Larger firms with multiple branches appeared, and operations began to be computerized.

1990s: Rapid Growth and Regulation

The early 1990s saw significant growth, with large firms having branches in nearly every housing estate. The 1997 financial crisis led to the closure of less efficient companies. The Estate Agents Ordinance (EAO) in 1997 introduced licensing and regulations, improving the trade’s standards.

Post-1997: Continued Regulation and Professional Development

Since the introduction of regulatory and licensing regimes in 1997 and 1999, the estate agency trade has been regulated, improving standards. In 2005, a voluntary professional development scheme was launched to encourage continuous learning among licensees.