Career Zone
Career ZoneCareer Research and PlanningExploreEmployment SectorsBuilt EnvironmentProperty Development and Housing

Property Development and Housing

The UK Property Sector is a dynamic, multi-billion-pound sector that plays a vital role in shaping the spaces where we live and work. From iconic city skylines to sustainable housing developments, this industry offers graduates the chance to make a lasting impact on communities and the economy. 

Whether you're drawn to urban renewal & regeneration, commercial investment, residential development, or sustainability and planning, there's opportunity here.  

The property industry offers a varied number of employment opportunities for a multitude of degree disciplines and skill sets. Occupations in this sector include policy officer, project manager, estate and facilities management, estate agent, property surveyor, valuer, property investment analyst, asset manager and property finance consultant.  

For further detail about entry routes into these professions read the following job profiles: 

If you are interested in these roles, you may also be curious to read more about quantity surveying, town planning, urban design and landscape design which are covered in the other work areas in this sector.  

Further Reading  

For up-to-date industry information see  Property News from the Real Estate Market | Property Week.  Most key employers in this sector publish market reports; UK Real Estate Market Outlook 2025 | CBRE UK  and UK Economy and Property Market Update, as well as specialist property report such as Sustainability and Artificial Intelligence, The Size & Structure of the UK Property Market.

Skills employers look for

Every employer is different so there are no definitive lists here. These are meant as a guide and should be considered in addition to fully exploring the role requirements outlined in the person specification, job description and advert for each role you consider applying for. 

  • Communication – You’ll need to explain ideas clearly and work with lots of different people, from architects to investors.
  • Problem Solving – Projects often hit roadblocks. Being able to think critically and find solutions is essential.
  • Budgeting – Managing money wisely helps keep projects on track and profitable.
  • Construction & Planning Knowledge – Understanding how buildings are designed, built, and approved is key to making informed decisions.
  • Project Management – You’ll juggle timelines, teams, and tasks to deliver projects on time and within budget.
  • Teamwork – Property development is collaborative. You’ll work closely with others to get things done.
  • Flexibility – Things change fast. Being adaptable helps you respond to new challenges and opportunities.
  • Sales & Marketing – Knowing how to promote and sell a property is vital to a project’s success 

To develop these skills, Career Zone also offers a range of Personal and Professional Development sessions which are available to book on Handshake and run at least once per term.  Please also read through the sections about Gaining Experience and Further Study and Professional Development to discover how you can develop your skills through experience and by gaining further knowledge or qualifications.    

Gaining Experience

Work experience can account for a lot in the property sector, as degrees are not always necessary, especially for estate agent or estate manager roles. Consider looking at job profiles, which outline the skills and experiences companies look for. Experiences ranging from volunteering, active involvement in clubs/societies can help you to build relevant and transferable skills. You may wish to consider involvement in the Real Estate Society. For further helpful advice read RTPI | Types of work experience 

Volunteering 

University of Exeter Employability Schemes 

  • Green Consultants is an online training programme, during which you will learn how to work with clients and stakeholders, explore project management and deepen your understanding of green jobs. Once you have completed the online training you will have the opportunity to apply for an on-campus project and an internship.
  • Career Zone Internship schemes: Internships can be extremely useful, so try and get relevant vacation work or placements.
  • Exeter Award: The Exeter Award will help you stand out from the crowd and give you the confidence to shout about the experiences you've had at university.
  • The Global Leaders Experience is a unique opportunity to develop your intercultural skills as part of a short, outbound mobility experience. 

Speculative applications and where to find opportunities 

Undertaking relevant work experience will also allow you to develop new skills and gain a valuable insight into the sector. As jobs and opportunities are not always advertised, it can be useful to develop your networking skills and make a speculative application . Many property developers are self-employed so it could be useful to network on LinkedIn to find experience in the sector, this is the same for part-time work. 

Finding part-time work  

Before visiting the sites below you may find it useful to read our Researching employers page. 

Estate and lettings agencies sometimes offer placements, and most take on part-time administrative and sales staff. These opportunities provide valuable insight into the current property or lettings market. Find companies that interest you and get in touch - with a named contact.  

You could also consider approaching government departments or other organisations with responsibility for planning, land use, or related areas such as protecting the natural environment, for example: 

Finding advertised graduate roles, placements and internships

Reading about trends and developments is important for applications and interviews to demonstrate your commercial awareness. Use online magazines and journals for example; 

Competition can be strong, especially for entry-level positions. Use the following resources to find other advertised vacancies and research employers.  

For general information about finding graduate opportunities, please visit our Graduate Jobs page. 

Graduate schemes and internships 

Graduate Schemes focus on providing hands-on training in your area of specialism, supported by industry professionals with years of experience. Many of the schemes span two or three years, giving you plenty of time to learn on the job 

Large employers, such as BNP Paribas Real Estate, British Land, CBRE, Foxtons, Grosvenor, JLL, Landsec and Savills UK, offer graduate opportunities, professional development, and support toward chartered status. Websites such as Bright Network offer company overviews;https://www.brightnetwork.co.uk/graduate-employer-company/british-land/ Join Grosvenor | Bright Network. Applications generally open around September, with closing dates as early as October and November. 

Placements  

If you are interested in finding out more about work placements, you can also access the Work Placements SharePoint via Single Sign-On. This resource covers all aspects of credit-bearing work experiences as part of your degree, including what a placement is, how to apply for them, and bespoke information for international students or those interested in working abroad.

Recruitment agencies can be useful for finding graduate jobs in property and surveying. These tend to be for immediate start positions. It's worth registering with one or two agencies towards the end of your course.  Specialist agencies include:  

Further sources of support 

If you are an international student, visit our international webpages for help finding opportunities both in the UK and globally. 

To find opportunities outside the UK use GoinGlobal.

Further study and professional development

Some individuals decide to undertake further study to build their skills and knowledge of the sector and related occupations. Not all roles or employers will require this, so it is important to research entry requirements and employer preferences before committing to additional training or qualifications. Use the sites below to research your further study options. Further study in the sector could include a master’s degree in urban planning, real estate development, property development and planning, finance, quantity surveying or construction management. 

Use the sites below to research your further study options.  

Information and links from professional bodies 

Being a member of a professional body is voluntary; however, it can be valuable for developing networks, continuing your professional development, and generally keeping up to date with what's happening in the sector. There isn’t one specific professional body for property developers but there are professional bodies for many different types of roles within the field. These websites sometimes include member directories, which are helpful for finding employment too. 

Advice 

If you would like to pursue postgraduate study before entering your chosen sector, please visit our Postgraduate Study page for more information about choosing further study. If you are unsure whether further study is for you, you may wish to attend our ‘Postgraduate study: is it right for you?’ session which runs termly. Find these advertised on Handshake.