Ray White analysis finds female agents redefine real estate careers

Queensland’s real estate sector is experiencing a historic demographic shift, with more women entering the industry, often part-time, to challenge traditional workforce patterns.

Toowoomba real estate agent Rosanna Perry from Ray White Toowoomba says her new career is a better fit with her family life. Picture: Annette Dew

Queensland’s real estate industry is undergoing a major transformation, driven by a sharp rise in women entering the sector, many of whom are choosing to work part-time.

New analysis of online listings data has revealed that in 2024, the number of female new entrants into real estate more than doubled compared to 2023, signalling a fundamental shift in recruitment patterns.

Ray White strategy analyst Jordan Tormey, who examined data trends over the past three years, said the change was particularly significant over the past 12 months.

“This isn’t just a temporary fluctuation, it marks a fundamental shift in how the real estate workforce is evolving,” he said.

One of the most striking discoveries was the large proportion of female agents working part-time.

The data showed 52.1 per cent of female agents completed between zero and four transactions annually, compared to 43.3 per cent of male agents.

Percentage of established agents with 0-4 transactions by state or territory and gender. Graphic: Ray White

Mr Tormey said two distinct groups had emerged within the rising cohort, with about 40 per cent developmental part-timers — newcomers still building their businesses — while about 59.4 per cent were established agents who had deliberately chosen to maintain smaller workloads to suit their lifestyle.

By contrast, the majority of male part-time agents, about 72.2 per cent, were already established in their careers, suggesting a different dynamic between men and women entering the industry.

The evolving trend is already being felt across Queensland, where agents including Rosanna Perry from Ray White Toowoomba are redefining career paths.

Mrs Perry, a former nurse and mother-of-two, said she transitioned into real estate after Covid because it offered the flexibility she needed.

“I can work around school schedules and don’t have to deal with hospital night shifts anymore,” Mrs Perry said.

“It’s given me a career that fits with my family life.”

The overall figures showed that women represented about 48 per cent of all real estate roles nationally, but sales agent roles remained dominated by men, who accounted for nearly 59 per cent of those positions.

The fresh wave of female agents entering the industry is already beginning to shift the balance, Mr Tormey said.

Developmental v Established real estate agents. Graphic: Ray White

The surge has also been supported by initiatives including Ray White’s Leading Ladies of Real Estate program, a mentoring and development platform designed to support women in the industry.

Attendance at Ray White’s Leading Ladies of Real Estate events grew by 260 per cent since 2021, highlighting the appetite for more tailored career support.

Mr Tormey said agencies which adapted quickly to the demographic changes would gain a significant competitive edge.

“Agencies that recognise the different pathways new female agents are taking and support both early-career and lifestyle-driven agents, will be better positioned for sustainable growth,” he said.

Regional differences were also highlighted.

In Victoria and the Northern Territory, women were more likely than men to work part-time, whereas in Tasmania the opposite trend was occurring.

“The rise of part-time female agents is not a passing trend,” Mr Tormey said.

“It’s a strong signal that the industry is evolving and those who move with it will lead the future of real estate.”

Originally published as Ray White analysis finds female agents redefine real estate careers