There have been reports of hundreds of estate agents closing across the country. The majority that are closing are agents that opened up in the last ten years on the back of a strong market, and they don’t have the experience necessary to operate in a different market. We are now in what I would refer to as a more basic selling market: agents need to offer a high quality sales service to customers. <br><br>When we come out of this downturn, the whole estate agency industry could be much leaner and fitter, with a much higher level of standards. I would be expecting some corporate agency branches to close – because they have to perform for the City. Other independent agents will be tightening their belts and living off their other departments, such as professional services and lettings, the latter of which is having a phenomenal time at the moment. Agents that are experienced, offer a high quality service and who can spread the problem among their other departments will be fine. It is the sales-only agents that are struggling. <br>