Women in Property

The property industry has long been perceived as a male-dominated field, but times are changing. More women are entering the sector and making significant strides in various roles, from surveying to legal counsel. At Jobs for Women, we’re committed to highlighting these success stories and encouraging more women to consider careers in property.

The Current Landscape

Recent statistics paint a clear picture of the challenges women face in the property industry:

• Only 30% of senior management positions in estate agencies are held by women.
• A mere 13% of UK surveyors are female.
• Women occupy just 30% of senior leadership roles in property.

These numbers underscore the need for change and greater representation across all levels of the industry.

Diverse Paths to Property Careers

Our recent webinar featured four successful women in property, each with a unique journey:

1. Beth: A senior land manager who entered the field through a building surveying degree. She emphasises the importance of encouraging young women to consider property-related degrees and careers.
2. Hannah: A senior quantity surveyor who discovered her passion for the field through work experience. She stresses the need to dispel misconceptions about construction being solely outdoor work.
3. Lida: Head of legal for a major company, who transitioned from private practice to in-house counsel. She highlights the importance of supporting women as they progress from junior to senior roles.
4. Ellie: An estate agency owner who entered the industry without prior experience or qualifications, proving that diverse backgrounds can bring fresh perspectives to property.

Challenges and Opportunities

While progress is being made, several challenges persist:

• Lack of awareness: Many young women are unaware of the diverse career opportunities in property.
• Representation: The scarcity of female role models in senior positions can be discouraging.
• Work-life balance: The industry needs to better support women juggling career progression with personal life changes.

Driving Change

To create a more inclusive property industry, we must:

1. Engage with girls and young women about property careers early on.
2. Provide mentorship and support networks for women in the industry.
3. Implement flexible working policies to retain talented women.
4. Celebrate and promote female success stories to inspire others.

The property industry offers exciting and rewarding careers for women. By sharing experiences, supporting one another, and advocating for change, we can create a more diverse and inclusive sector.

At Jobs for Women, we’re committed to connecting talented women with opportunities in property and other industries.

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Are you interested in exploring a career in property?

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