How to Be a Property Agent in Singapore (2025 Guide)
If you’ve ever been fascinated by the vibrant property market in Singapore, you might have wondered how to become a property agent in Singapore. Whether you’re passionate about helping people upgrade from an HDB flat to an Executive Condominium (EC) or guiding investors through the intricacies of property transactions, a career as a real estate agent offers a dynamic and rewarding path.
This comprehensive 2025 guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of becoming a licensed property agent in Singapore, including important eligibility criteria, training, exams, and registration. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Check That You Fulfil the Criteria to Become a Property Agent
Before embarking on this exciting career, you must ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements set by the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA). Here are the key criteria:
1. Nationality and Residency
You must be a Singaporean citizen or a Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR) who has lived in Singapore for more than 10 years.
For SPRs who have been in Singapore for less than 10 years, you must submit a Certificate of No Criminal Conviction or proof of residence in Singapore for 10 years or more.
Foreigners interested in becoming property agents must have their prospective estate agency contact CEA for a preliminary eligibility assessment and submit work pass documents or employment contracts.
2. Age Requirement
You must be 21 years old or above to qualify. If you’re younger, you’ll need to wait until you hit this age milestone.
3. Educational Qualifications
A minimum of 4 'O' Level passes or equivalent is required.
Alternatively, if you don’t have the 'O' Levels, you can submit a Level 5 and above Workplace Literacy and Numeracy (WPLN) assessment covering reading, listening, speaking, writing, and numeracy.
Other qualifications like overseas diplomas or private certifications can also be assessed by the Approved Course Providers (ACP) during your Real Estate Salesperson (RES) course enrolment.
4. Fit and Proper Criteria
You must meet CEA’s fit and proper standards, which include background checks and good conduct verification. Full details are available on the CEA website.
If you satisfy all these conditions, you’re eligible to proceed to the next phase—attending the Real Estate Salesperson course.
Step 2: Attend the Real Estate Salesperson (RES) Course
The RES course is mandatory for all aspiring property agents. It equips you with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate Singapore’s real estate industry, whether you're helping families go through a HDB upgrade to EC or assisting investors with private property deals.
Approved Course Providers
CEA mandates that you attend the RES course only through its Approved Course Providers (ACP). Some of the prominent providers include:
Benchmark Realpro Pte Ltd
Hastor Property Services Pte Ltd
Institute of Estate Agents
Life Mastery Academy Pte Ltd
Pioneer Training & Consultancy Pte Ltd
Real Centre Network Pte Ltd
Realty International Associates Pte Ltd
Singapore Estate Agents Association
Each provider offers comprehensive training on topics such as property law, marketing, and transaction procedures. After completing the course, you will receive a Certificate of RES Course Completion, provided your attendance is at least 75%.
Note: The certificate is valid for 2 years, during which you must pass the RES exam. Otherwise, you will need to retake the course.
Step 3: Take the Real Estate Salesperson (RES) Examination
Passing the RES exam is the next hurdle. It tests your understanding of real estate agency practice, legislation, and marketing.
Exam Format
The exam consists of two papers, each lasting 2.5 hours:
Paper 1 and Paper 2 both contain:
Section A: 60 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Section B: 20 MCQs based on case studies
Syllabus
The syllabus covers four core areas:
Real estate agency industry overview and basic land law concepts
Dealings with interest in land
Regulation of the real estate agency industry and real estate marketing
Property transactions
If you pass only one paper, you can retake the other within the 2-year validity period of your RES course certificate.
Step 4: Register with a Real Estate Agency
Once you pass the RES exam, congratulations! You’re now qualified to register as a real estate salesperson with a registered estate agency.
How to Register
Choose an estate agency that aligns with your career goals. Many agencies specialise in different segments, from HDB transactions to private properties and EC upgrades.
The agency will assist you in submitting your registration application to CEA.
You must complete your registration within 2 years from the month you passed your RES exam.
Insights on the Real Estate Career Path in Singapore
Becoming a property agent in Singapore opens many doors. You could assist clients looking to upgrade their homes from HDB to EC, helping families navigate the complex eligibility criteria and financing options involved. Or, you might specialise in luxury condos or commercial properties, guiding investors through Singapore’s fast-paced market.
A career in real estate demands strong interpersonal skills, market knowledge, and resilience. It’s not just about closing deals but building relationships and trust with clients.
Conclusion
The property market in Singapore continues to thrive, and the role of a property agent remains vital to helping people realise their homeownership dreams. From meeting eligibility criteria, completing the RES course, passing the exam, to registering with an estate agency, the journey is rigorous but rewarding.
For those passionate about real estate and ready to embark on this career, the key is to stay committed, continually upgrade your knowledge, and keep abreast of market trends.
To learn more about the local property landscape or see how real estate advice is applied in real life, visit NeezaNizam. NeezaNizam is a property agent in Singapore with a wealth of experience in the market, offering practical insights and tips to help you navigate your property journey with confidence.
Contact us today for more information!
