JobsAndCareers_Winter2021/22 - 174

T
he UK property sector
has defied expectations
to enjoy a boom during
the past two years.
The pandemic-related
restrictions proved
little more than a short, sharp shock for
this industry, which employs more than
one million people and contributes over
£100bn to the British economy. In January
to May 2021, mortgage lending was 87%
above the same period a year before, while
house prices climbed to record levels.
The sector covers more than the homes
we live in. From residential to offices, car
parks, shopping centres and more, property
is at the heart of all aspects of our everyday
life. And although estate agents tend to
be the first to spring to mind when we
think of jobs in property, there's a huge
variety of opportunities in the industry,
including planning, surveying, managing
and inspecting historic buildings.
Government assistance in the form of
the furlough scheme and the stamp duty
holiday may have ended, and interest
rates are expected to rise, but having
proved itself extremely resilient the UK's
property sector is looking forward to a
healthy future. And whatever the political
or economic landscape, people are always
going to need a roof over their heads, so
property offers relatively secure careers in
an interesting sector with satisfying results.
Whether you want to help people
find their dream home or have a
hand in getting new medical facilities
built, here are some of the roles in
the industry you may consider.
COMMERCIAL/
RESIDENTIAL SURVEYOR
Surveyors deal with all aspects of
residential and commercial property,
including sales, purchases, leases and
management. A key part of the job includes
assessing properties and placing a value
on them. Surveyors don't just get involved
with existing properties. You could also be
asked to manage the entire development
of a property, from greenfield through
to assessing the completed buildings.
What skills do I need? You'll need to
be a strong negotiator and have excellent
knowledge of the property market. You
will also need to be a good multi-tasker,
as you may have several clients and
projects on the go at once. If you choose
to work in the private sector, you may
work long hours, including weekends,
so flexibility is also important.
What qualifications do I need? The
most direct route is with an undergraduate
or postgraduate degree accredited by the
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
There are also apprenticeship schemes,
which last two years and will give you
associate member status with the Royal
Institution of Chartered Surveyors
(RICS). More information can be found
on the Chartered Surveyors Training
Trust website (see box, opposite).
How much can I earn? Trainees start
on around £20,000 to £25,000, while
the average salary for experienced
surveyors is in the region of £50,000.
DEVELOPMENT PLANNER
At any property company, development
planning is a significant and crucial part of
the business. As a planner you'll be involved
in preparing and submitting planning
applications and feasibility studies,
researching development sites, developing
client relationships, and preparing design
and access statements. With experience
you may take on the responsibility of
managing projects and coordinating teams.
What skills do I need? Presentation
and report-writing skills are essential,
and you must be comfortable in a clientfacing
role. You'll need to function as
" Impressive negotiating and selling skills
are essential to achieve sales targets and
boost your earnings. A polite, friendly and
approachable manner is also key "
174 /// JOBS & CAREERS /// jobsandcareersmag.com
http://www.jobsandcareersmag.com
JobsAndCareers_Winter2021/22

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