Knight Frank Exits Singapore Real Estate Agency Business, Agents Transition to OrangeTee & Tie

Singapore, Singapore Jul 27, 2026 ALN: [SINGAPORE] In a significant shift within Singapore’s real estate landscape, Knight Frank has announced its decision to exit the residential property agency business in Singapore. This move comes as part of a broader trend of consolidation among property agencies in the region, reflecting the evolving dynamics of the real estate market.

As part of this transition, Knight Frank has entered into an agreement with OrangeTee & Tie, allowing agents from its KF Property Network (KFPN) to transfer to OrangeTee & Tie. The agreement, which was announced on Monday (July 27), stipulates that KFPN will cease operations by the end of 2026. This strategic decision underscores Knight Frank's intent to streamline its operations and focus on its core business priorities.

According to the latest data from the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) public register as of June 2026, KFPN had approximately 97 registered salespersons. In contrast, OrangeTee & Tie boasted a much larger workforce with around 2,567 registered salespersons. This positions OrangeTee as Singapore’s fourth-largest property agency in terms of the number of agents, a notable feat within an industry that has seen significant fluctuations in agency numbers over the past few years.

In addressing inquiries from the media, Justin Quek, CEO of OrangeTee and deputy group CEO of Realion Group, clarified that the agreement between Knight Frank and OrangeTee is not a corporate acquisition, merger, or buyout of KFPN’s business entity. No assets, business operations, or customer contracts are being transferred as part of this arrangement. Instead, Quek emphasized that this is a business continuity plan designed to facilitate a smooth transition for eligible KFPN associates who wish to move to OrangeTee.

"Rather, it is a business continuity plan that provides a framework for eligible KFPN associates to move to OrangeTee should they choose to, supported by commercial arrangements between the parties to enable a smooth transition," Quek stated. This approach aims to ensure that agents can continue their careers without disruption while benefiting from the resources and support provided by OrangeTee.

The discussions leading to this agreement reportedly began in late 2025, coinciding with Knight Frank's strategic reassessment of its operations. The firm is looking to sharpen its focus on core business priorities, including areas such as capital markets, occupier strategy and solutions, and property and facilities management. This realignment reflects a growing trend among real estate firms to concentrate on their strengths amid a highly competitive market environment.

The context of this decision is significant, particularly given the challenges faced by property agencies in Singapore. In 2025 alone, 47 property agencies closed their doors, leaving 998 active agencies as of January 1, 2026. This consolidation trend highlights the competitive pressures in the market, where the three largest players—PropNex Realty, ERA Realty Network, and Huttons Asia—continue to dominate. These firms have established robust business models that allow them to thrive even in challenging economic conditions.

OrangeTee itself has undergone significant changes, having merged with property consultancy ETC to form the Realion Group in early 2025. This merger has positioned OrangeTee to leverage a broader range of resources, technology, and training opportunities, which are critical for maintaining a competitive edge in the fast-evolving real estate market.

Knight Frank's decision to partner with OrangeTee & Tie is indicative of the latter's capabilities in terms of scale, technology, training, and governance. By choosing OrangeTee, Knight Frank aims to ensure that its agents have access to the necessary support for long-term success in their careers. This choice also reflects the increasing importance of technology and training in the real estate sector, as agents seek to enhance their skills and adapt to changing market demands.

Notably, this is not the first instance of attrition within KFPN. Earlier in January 2025, a significant group of 111 KFPN agents, including then-head Evan Chung, departed for rival SRI. This exodus represented about 40 percent of KFPN’s 274-agent sales force in January 2024, indicating potential internal challenges within the agency that may have prompted the recent strategic shift.

For KFPN agents who choose to transition to OrangeTee & Tie, the agreement promises access to expanded training, advanced technology, and enhanced business development resources. Additionally, they will benefit from the broader Realion Group ecosystem, which is designed to support agents in their professional growth and success.

Dr. Tan Tee Khoon, head of KFPN, expressed his commitment to ensuring that salespersons have the right platform to continue growing their businesses. He remarked, "OrangeTee stood out because of its professionalism, client-first culture, and strong support for long-term success." This statement underscores the importance of finding a compatible agency for agents looking to advance their careers in a competitive market.

The implications of this transition extend beyond just the agents involved. It signals a notable shift in the competitive landscape of Singapore's real estate market, where agencies are increasingly seeking to consolidate and strengthen their positions. As the market continues to evolve, the focus on technology, training, and support will likely become even more critical for agencies aiming to attract and retain talent in a challenging environment.

In conclusion, Knight Frank's exit from the residential property agency business in Singapore and the subsequent transition of its agents to OrangeTee & Tie mark a significant development in the local real estate sector. This move not only highlights the ongoing consolidation within the industry but also reflects broader trends in agency operations, where technology and training are becoming essential components for success. As the market continues to adapt, the ability of agencies to provide comprehensive support and resources will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of real estate in Singapore.