Thinking of leaving traditional estate agency behind and becoming g a self-employed estate agent? In this episode, we spoke with Laura Kirby, a self-employed estate agent who made the switch—and hasn’t looked back.
Laura shares how stepping away from high street agency gave her the freedom to support her family and build a business on her terms. If you’ve been considering self-employment but aren’t sure if it’s right for you, Laura’s journey will give you the insight and confidence you need.
Contents
Laura started her career in sales before joining a high street estate agents five years ago. But the biggest shift came when she moved to a self-employed model under iad.
What wasn’t working in a traditional agency?
Rigid office hours – Sitting in an office from 9–6, even when the work was done.
Lack of flexibility – No freedom to work around personal and family life.
Limited earning potential – Fixed salaries and commission caps holding agents back.
Now, as a self-employed agent, Laura has full control over her time, income, and client relationships.
For Laura, moving to a self-employed model was a life-changing decision. It was one that gave her the flexibility, control, and freedom she had been missing.
One of the biggest frustrations Laura faced in high street agency was being tied to a rigid schedule; even when her work was done.
I would find that maybe I’d done a lot of my work during the day and might be finished at 2:00, but because it says we’re open 9 till 6 on the door, I was kind of sat there for another four hours, which wasn’t really great for mental health
Laura Kirby
Now, as a self-employed agent, Laura works when it makes sense for her and her clients. Not just because the office hours dictate it.
One of the biggest advantages of self-employment is the ability to manage your workload. Instead of being overloaded with menial tasks, Laura can focus on providing a higher level of service.
This means better relationships, more satisfied customers, and a more sustainable business.
Self-employment comes with freedom—but also responsibility. Agents must stay disciplined, manage their time, and keep themselves motivated. Laura acknowledges that while it’s a learning curve, the rewards are worth it.
There is a big learning curve when you become self-employed. You have to be disciplined. You have to be disciplined with your time because you have so much freedom
Laura Kirby
Success doesn’t happen overnight, but for those with ambition, the model provides unlimited potential.
When Laura first transitioned from a traditional high street agency to the iad model, it was a big change. Unlike UK estate agency structures, iad operates in a way that is more agent-focused, giving self-employed agents more control, more support, and more earning potential.
Proven model
iad isn’t just another property network, it’s the biggest independent estate agent network in Europe. Their system isn’t just theory—it’s a tried and tested model that helps agents succeed without the constraints of a traditional agency.
They’re the biggest in France for a reason. They know what they’re doing.
Unlimited growth
One of the biggest fears for agents going self-employed is feeling alone but with iad, that never happens. Laura is impressed by how iad equips agents with strategies and systems that allow them to work more efficiently and provide a better service for their clients. Instead of agents figuring everything out on their own, iad provides a clear roadmap so they can focus on what they do best—helping clients buy, sell, and rent homes.
Support & resources
With iad, Laura doesn’t feel like she’s just another employee working for a company and she’s building a business for herself, but with the backing and support of an established brand. She now has:
✅ More flexibility to work the way she wants
✅ More earning potential—no salary caps, just real results
✅ More control over her own success
If you’re a hardworking estate agent tired of being limited by traditional structures, this could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
Want to learn more? come along to one of our recruitment events
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