Industry Sectors

Property Services

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Industry Summary

In recent years, the property services industry has seen a boom in interest as a potential career. Whether that’s becoming an estate agent, a property manager or even a building surveyor – there are now more roles available than ever to those who are interested in this area of business. To put it simply, the industry deals with the planning, design and construction, as well as the buying, selling and management of property.

This is a very profitable industry. Many jobs within the property services sector are often highly paid but this often varies based on experience and job role. If you’re a people person, you’ll also have the joy of dealing with people on a day-to-day basis, meaning you can refine those communication skills and make sure your personality shines through. You could even be working for the council, ensuring that there are enough low-cost homes for those that need them, selling properties and making millions or even building the next ginormous skyscraper to grace our landscape – the options in the property services industry are almost limitless.

It is important to keep in mind that for some roles in the property services industry, you will need further qualifications. For example, if you wish to go into property surveying, you’ll need a qualification accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), but for others, such as estate agents, do not require any formal qualifications.

 

What options can I take for a career in property services?

 

Work Experience

You may find it harder to find a job in property if you do not have any industry work experience; not only will it help you decide whether a career in this sector is right for you, but it will also show potential employers that you’re serious about a role with them. There are many formal and informal paths to gain work experience in property services. Some firms may offer shadowing opportunities for a few weeks of the year or insight days, others could put forward official summer internship programmes to those interested. Work experience will show that you have the skills you need to succeed a career in the property services industry, and hopefully help build important connections for the future.

Unsure about what a work placement could involve? You should’ve asked!

 

Apprenticeships

If you know that you want a career in the property services industry, an apprenticeship could be the perfect opportunity for you. Not only will you gain experience in a professional role and learn hands on from experienced colleagues whilst being paid a salary, but you’ll also have a chance to study towards a qualification, all paid for by your employer. Your apprenticeship will ensure that you have the theoretical understanding and practical skills necessary to succeed in your future career. You’ll be showing clients around their dream homes, managing your own properties or even surveying properties worth millions. Here are some apprenticeship opportunities available to you:

  • Level 2 – Junior Estate Agent
  • Level 2 – Housing / property management assistant
  • Level 3 – Housing/property management
  • Level 3 – Conveyancing Technician
  • Level 4 – Senior housing/property management
  • Level 4 – Conveyancing Technician
  • Level 6 – Licensed Conveyancer

Want to know what apprenticeships are all about? We have you covered!

 

Degree Apprenticeships

A degree apprenticeship is a fantastic chance for anyone wishing to pursue a career in the property services industry, with a number of options available. Not only will a degree apprenticeship enable you to obtain, well, a degree, but your student fees will be covered by your employer. You’ll spend most of your time in the workplace gaining hands-on experience and making new connections from your experienced colleagues. You’ll receive a salary for all your hard work and the chance to apply all your theoretical learning onto the job and develop from this, and lots of responsibility to manage too!

  • Level 6 – Chartered Surveyor (degree)

Is a degree apprenticeship up your street? We’ll help you know!

 

University

University is also a great option for those considering a career in the property services industry. You’ll get to grips with the theoretical foundations of the sector which will be highly relevant to your job after you graduate. You also have the option to tailor your course to fit your interests or desired career path to really set you up for your future. Here are some of the degree options available in the property services industry:

  • Property Development BSc (Hons)
  • Property and Real Estate BSc (Hons)
  • Real Estate Management BSc (Hons)
  • Construction Management and Property Development BSc (Hons)
  • Housing Studies BSc (Hons)
  • Real Estate BSc (Hons)
  • Property Development and Planning BSc (Hons)
  • Housing Policy and Practice BA (Hons)
  • Business Management and Real Estate MA (Hons)

Want to find out what University could offer you? We have your back!

 

Graduate Jobs

A degree in any of the property services industries is not essential to pursue a career in these sectors once you graduate – employers won’t miss out on a great employee because of their degree background, but you may find this helpful. Some employers may also offer a graduate scheme to potential candidates; this programme aims to deliver structured training to get recruits up-to-date on the business and industry more widely. It is also important to remember that some roles may require further training and so instead of jumping straight into a career, pursuing a postgraduate qualification may be necessary.

Want to know what graduate jobs are all about? We can help!

 

Other routes

Many people start their career in the property services by other options. One potential path is by entering a job straight from school or college and then working your way up through the organisation – this is possible particularly in the more hands on roles. However, it is advisable to try and gain some qualifications in this sector as you may find that this aids you in your career, particular for careers such as surveying.

Career Progression, Discover Your Future

Work Description

Job holders within this unit group manage shopping centres, residential areas and private estates, and arrange for the sale, purchase, rental and leasing of property on behalf of clients and employers.

Qualification

There are no formal academic requirements, although entrants usually possess a BTEC/SQA award, a degree or equivalent qualification. Apprenticeships are available in some areas. Many employers expect the attainment of membership to a relevant professional body.

Job Tasks

determines staffing, financial, material and other short- and long-term requirements; manages general upkeep, maintenance and security of the estate’s amenities; makes sure that the amenities meet health and safety standards and legal requirements; advises on energy efficiency; discusses client’s requirements and may advise client on the purchase of property and land for investment and other purposes; conducts or arranges for structural surveys of properties and undertakes any necessary valuations of property or agricultural land, and deals with grant and subsidy applications; negotiates land or property purchases and sales or leases and tenancy agreements and arranges legal formalities with solicitors, building societies and other parties; maintains or arranges for the maintenance of estate accounts and records and produces financial forecasts; acts as arbiter in disputes between landlord and tenant and ensures that both fulfil their legal obligations; examines and assesses housing applications, advises on rent levels, investigates complaints and liaises with tenants’ association and social workers to resolve any family problems.

Related Jobs

Developer, property Director, housing Director, land Factor, estate Factor, housing Head of facilities Head of facilities management Investor, property Landlady Landlord, property Landlord Landowner Manager, agent, estate Manager, auction Manager, branch Manager, building Manager, caretaking Manager, centre, city Manager, centre, shopping Manager, centre, town Manager, environment Manager, estate Manager, estates Manager, facilities Manager, hall, town Manager, house Manager, housing Manager, land Manager, lettings Manager, market Manager, markets Manager, neighbourhood Manager, premises Manager, property Manager, relocation Manager, resident Manager, sales Manager, service, property Manager, services, house Manager, site Manager, support, facilities Manager, technical Manager Manager Manager Manager Manager Officer, estate Officer, estates Owner, agency, letting Owner, auction Owner, land Owner, property Owner Owner Owner 

Estimated Pay

Information on weekly pay (average, median and decile) is taken from a combination of two sources: the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE); and the Labour Force Survey (LFS) (both conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS)). ASHE is widely regarded as the most reliable source of information on Pay and Hours, however it does not include information on pay by qualification as well as some other characteristics (such as self-employment).

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

Work Description

Architects plan and design the construction and development of buildings and land areas with regard to functional and aesthetic requirements.

Qualification

Entrants require a professional qualification in architecture that will encompass an accredited degree and postgraduate qualification, and at least two years practical experience.

Job Tasks

liaises with client and other professionals to establish building type, style, cost limitations and landscaping requirements; studies condition and characteristics of site, taking into account drainage, topsoil, trees, rock formations, etc.; analyses site survey and advises client on development and construction details and ensures that proposed design blends in with the surrounding area; prepares detailed scale drawings and specifications for design and construction and submits these for planning approval; monitors construction work in progress to ensure compliance with specifications.

Related Jobs

Architect, chartered Architect, landscape Architect Consultant, architectural Designer, concrete, reinforced Designer, formwork Designer, landscape Designer, structural Designer Superintendent 

Estimated Pay

Information on weekly pay (average, median and decile) is taken from a combination of two sources: the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE); and the Labour Force Survey (LFS) (both conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS)). ASHE is widely regarded as the most reliable source of information on Pay and Hours, however it does not include information on pay by qualification as well as some other characteristics (such as self-employment).

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

Work Description

Town planning officers direct or undertake the planning of the layout and the co-ordination of plans for the development of urban and rural areas.

Qualification

Entrants usually possess either an accredited degree or postgraduate qualification and must have completed at least two years’ work experience in town planning before gaining professional status.

Job Tasks

analyses information to establish the nature, extent, growth rate and likely development requirements of the area; consults statutory bodies and other interested parties to ensure that local interests are catered for and to evaluate competing development proposals; drafts and presents graphic and narrative plans affecting the use of public and private land, housing and transport facilities; examines and evaluates development proposals submitted and recommends acceptance, modification or rejection; liaises with national and local government and other bodies to advise on urban and regional planning issues.

Related Jobs

Adviser, planning, county Consultant, planning, town Designer, urban Officer, control, development Officer, planning Planner, enforcement Planner, town Planner, town and country Planner 

Estimated Pay

Information on weekly pay (average, median and decile) is taken from a combination of two sources: the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE); and the Labour Force Survey (LFS) (both conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS)). ASHE is widely regarded as the most reliable source of information on Pay and Hours, however it does not include information on pay by qualification as well as some other characteristics (such as self-employment).

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

Work Description

Quantity surveyors advise on financial and contractual matters relating to, and prepare bills of quantities for, construction projects and provide other support functions concerning the financing and materials required for building projects.

Qualification

Entry is through professional training and membership of an appropriate professional organisation. Entry to professional examinations will require GCSEs/S grades and A levels/H grades, a BTEC/SQA award, a degree or equivalent qualification. Candidates usually undertake a period of probationary training and professional assessment.

Job Tasks

liaises with client on project costs, formulates detailed cost plan and advises contractors and engineers to ensure that they remain within cost limit; examines plans and specifications and prepares details of the material and labour required for the project; prepares bills of quantities for use by contractors when tendering for work; examines tenders received, advises client on the most acceptable and assists with preparation of a contract document; measures and values work in progress and examines any deviations from original contract; measures and values completed contract for authorisation of payment.

Related Jobs

Assistant, surveyor's, quantity Assistant, technical, surveyor's, quantity Assistant, technical Surveyor, bonus Surveyor, measuring Surveyor, quantity, chartered Surveyor, quantity Surveyor Taker-off Technician, survey Technician, surveying, quantity Worker-up 

Estimated Pay

Information on weekly pay (average, median and decile) is taken from a combination of two sources: the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE); and the Labour Force Survey (LFS) (both conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS)). ASHE is widely regarded as the most reliable source of information on Pay and Hours, however it does not include information on pay by qualification as well as some other characteristics (such as self-employment).

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

Work Description

Chartered surveyors conduct surveys related to the measurement, management, valuation and development of land, natural resources, buildings, other types of property, and infrastructure such as harbours, roads and railway lines.

Qualification

Entrants usually possess an accredited degree, equivalent qualification and/or postgraduate qualification. Entrants must also have successfully completed a probationary training period and professional assessment. Entry requirements to professional bodies vary.

Job Tasks

surveys, measures and describes land surfaces to establish property boundaries and to aid with construction or cartographic work; surveys mines, prepares drawings of surfaces, hazards and other features to control the extent and direction of mining; surveys buildings to determine necessary alterations and repairs; measures shore lines, elevations and underwater contours, establishes high and low water marks, plots shore features and defines navigable channels.

Related Jobs

Assistant, professional Commissioner, land Estimator and surveyor Hydrographer Inspector Officer, hydrographic Officer, land and minerals Officer, survey Surveyor, agricultural Surveyor, building Surveyor, cartographic Surveyor, chartered Surveyor, colliery Surveyor, estate Surveyor, group Surveyor, hydrographic Surveyor, land Surveyor, mineral Surveyor, mining Surveyor, photogrammetric Surveyor, photographic Surveyor, planning and development Surveyor, property Surveyor, river Surveyor, rural Surveyor, topographic Surveyor, utilities Surveyor, utility Surveyor Surveyor and estimator Surveyor and water engineer Surveyor-engineer Topographer 

Estimated Pay

Information on weekly pay (average, median and decile) is taken from a combination of two sources: the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE); and the Labour Force Survey (LFS) (both conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS)). ASHE is widely regarded as the most reliable source of information on Pay and Hours, however it does not include information on pay by qualification as well as some other characteristics (such as self-employment).

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

Work Description

Chartered architectural technologists provide architectural design services, negotiate construction projects and manage the development of projects from conception to completion.

Qualification

Chartered status requires an accredited degree and membership of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists. Professional practice also entails structured Continuing Professional Development.

Job Tasks

develops construction project briefs and design programmes; advises clients on methods of project procurement and forms of contract; advises on environmental, regulatory and legal requirements and assesses environmental impact; prepares and presents design proposals and manages and coordinates design team; monitors compliance with design, statutory and professional requirements, undertakes stage inspections; administers contracts and certification and manages project handover; evaluates and advises on refurbishment, recycling and deconstruction of buildings; manages health and safety and carries out design stage risk assessments.

Related Jobs

Technologist, architectural 

Estimated Pay

Information on weekly pay (average, median and decile) is taken from a combination of two sources: the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE); and the Labour Force Survey (LFS) (both conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS)). ASHE is widely regarded as the most reliable source of information on Pay and Hours, however it does not include information on pay by qualification as well as some other characteristics (such as self-employment).

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

Work Description

Job holders in this unit group manage and oversee major construction and civil engineering projects and major building contracts for quality of work, safety, timeliness and completion within budget; forecast travel patterns and develop strategies for managing the impact of traffic-related demand.

Qualification

Entrants normally possess a degree in a relevant subject or equivalent qualification and/or substantial work experience at an appropriate level. Further Continuing Professional Development is available in some areas.

Job Tasks

draws up budgets and timescales for new construction projects based on clients’ requirements; briefs project team, contractors and suppliers; assembles information for invoicing at the end of projects; plans work schedules for construction projects based on prior discussion with architects, surveyors etc.; hires and may supervise site staff, establishes temporary site offices, takes delivery of materials; regularly inspects and monitors progress and quality of work, ensures legal requirements are met; identifies defects in work and proposes corrections; records, monitors and reports progress; forecasts the impact on traffic and transport of new developments (e.g. shopping centre); assesses schemes to manage traffic such as congestion charging and parking controls; examines accident ‘blackspots’ to improve road safety; writes reports for funding bids and planning authorities and acts as expert witness.

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Clerk of works Engineer, civil, consulting Manager, commercial Manager, contract Manager, contracts, building Manager, contracts Manager, infrastructure Manager, project Manager, projects Manager, proposals Planner, traffic Planner, transport Planner, transportation 

Estimated Pay

Information on weekly pay (average, median and decile) is taken from a combination of two sources: the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE); and the Labour Force Survey (LFS) (both conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS)). ASHE is widely regarded as the most reliable source of information on Pay and Hours, however it does not include information on pay by qualification as well as some other characteristics (such as self-employment).

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

Work Description

Estate agents and auctioneers arrange for the valuation, sale, purchase, rental and leasing of property on behalf of clients.

Qualification

There are no formal academic entry requirements although entrants to professional training via the National Federation of Property Professionals (NFOPP) will normally possess GCSEs/S grades, an NVQ/SVQ and/or relevant experience. Off- and on-the-job training is possible, and apprenticeships are available in some areas.

Job Tasks

discusses client’s requirements and may advise client on the purchase of property and land for investment and other purposes; conducts or arranges for structural surveys of properties and undertakes any necessary valuations of property or agricultural land; advises vendors and purchasers on market prices of property, accompanies clients to view property; markets the property on behalf of the vendor, prepares written information and press advertisements; negotiates land or property purchases, sales, leases or tenancy agreements and arranges legal formalities with solicitors, building societies and other parties; makes inventories of property for sale, advises vendor of suitable reserve price, issues catalogues, conducts auction, notes bids and records sale.

Related Jobs

Agent, estate Agent, house Agent, land Agent, land and estate Agent, letting Agent, property Agent, relocation Agent, site Agent, transfer, business Agent, viewing Agent Agent and valuer, land Assistant, agent's, estate Assistant, sales Auctioneer Auctioneer and valuer Consultant, letting Consultant, property Consultant, relocation Consultant, sales Inspector, property Negotiator, lettings Negotiator, sales Negotiator 

Estimated Pay

Information on weekly pay (average, median and decile) is taken from a combination of two sources: the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE); and the Labour Force Survey (LFS) (both conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS)). ASHE is widely regarded as the most reliable source of information on Pay and Hours, however it does not include information on pay by qualification as well as some other characteristics (such as self-employment).

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

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