Independent real estate agent within a licensed network
Starting costs about $3,910 in the United States and 678,000 NGN in Nigeria. After 12 months, this business can bring in about $2,570 net per month in the United States and 602,000 NGN in Nigeria. The starting money comes back in about 6 months, with 45 hours of work per week.
Mundyo estimates, data as of 2026-11-02.
See the numbers for my countryFree, no account, in the currency of 247 countries.
The numbers
| Country | To start | Net per month (month 12) |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $3,910 | $2,570 |
| Nigeria | 678,000 NGN | 602,000 NGN |
| United Kingdom | £2,670 | £1,830 |
| Kenya | 174,000 KES | 87,200 KES |
| India | 84,800 INR | 63,600 INR |
Amounts adjusted to each country's price and income levels.
The problem
Selling or renting a property is stressful: valuation, viewings, negotiation and paperwork take time, and many owners lack a trusted contact.
The solution
Work as an independent agent under the licence of a real estate network: valuations, mandates, listings, viewings, negotiation and follow-up to closing.
Your customers
Owners selling or letting, buyers and tenants in an area the agent knows well.
How you make money
50 to 80% share of the agency commission paid by the network, against a monthly fee or joining fee.
Competition
Traditional agencies, other network agents, private sales, informal intermediaries in many countries.
Who has an edge
Someone deeply rooted locally, persistent and comfortable on the phone, ready to prospect every day before the first sales.
The risks
Several months without income before the first sale, frequent beginner drop-out, legal framework of the profession, market sensitive to rates.
The first 3 steps
- Compare three networks: commission split, training and monthly fees.
- Check the licence or training required locally.
- Choose an area of 2,000 to 5,000 homes and prospect it daily.
How the numbers are calculated
Example in a high-income eurozone country, at month 12: revenue €3,300 − costs €1,500 = €1,800 net per month. Revenue: 6 sales a year × €6,600 commission ÷ 12. Costs: network fee, vehicle, property advertising, phone, social contributions. For other countries, Mundyo adjusts the starting budget to the price level (World Bank) and the income to prices and customers' purchasing power, then converts at the day's exchange rate.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start: Independent real estate agent?
About $3,910 (United States), 678,000 NGN (Nigeria), £2,670 (United Kingdom), depending on the country. Mundyo calculates the amount for 247 countries.
How much can you earn per month?
After 12 months, about $2,570 (United States), 602,000 NGN (Nigeria), £1,830 (United Kingdom) net per month, after costs.
How long until I get my starting money back?
About 6 months, with 45 hours of work per week.
What are the risks?
Several months without income before the first sale, frequent beginner drop-out, legal framework of the profession, market sensitive to rates.
Where do I start?
1. Compare three networks: commission split, training and monthly fees. 2. Check the licence or training required locally. 3. Choose an area of 2,000 to 5,000 homes and prospect it daily.
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