How temp recruitment is helping property businesses through a cautious market

I'm Alice, business manager on the deverellsmith temporary recruitment function, and I've spent the last five years placing temporary and contract staff across the residential new homes sector. On our latest devcast podcast, I sat down with two brilliant colleagues, Elise Goldsmith and Grace Harris, to talk about why temp recruitment is the solution 

Between tighter budgets, a fast-growing rental living sector, and clients who simply need great people fast, temporary recruitment has become one of the smartest tools in a property employer's kit. Here's what we discussed, straight from the podcast. 

What is driving demand for temp recruitment in property? 

Right now, plenty of clients tell us they have no budget for permanent recruitment. But temp recruitment often sits under a completely different budget line. Businesses still need to operate, and a temporary contractor is frequently the simplest solution. 

We're also seeing growth in areas like marketing and events, both strong signs the wider market is picking back up. This matches the latest KPMG and REC UK Report on Jobs, which found that UK businesses are increasingly choosing temporary and contract staff while remaining cautious about committing to permanent hires this summer. 

Why "trial before you invest" works for property employers 

My colleague Elise puts it perfectly: “trial before you invest.” If you're unsure whether you have the time or budget for a permanent hire, bring someone in on a temp contract first. 

You pay weekly. If the person works out brilliantly, you can make the role permanent. If the contract simply ends, you've still had the job covered without a long-term commitment. 

Temp recruitment in the New Homes market 

Across new homes, sales have slowed. Many clients have responded by opening marketing suites seven days a week, which means they need staff who can cover part-time hours, weekends and holidays. 

Good candidates often come with a notice period, sometimes four weeks or more. Rather than leave a site uncovered, clients bring in a temp worker to bridge the gap. Occasionally, that temp performs so well they're offered the permanent job themselves. 

The rise of temp recruitment in Rental Living  

Grace Harris leads our temporary rental living desk, covering build to rent, co-living and student living. She joined just over a year ago, and the rental living market has been growing rapidly ever since, with temporary recruitment demand growing right alongside it. 

What roles do temp workers cover in Build To Rent? 

Why summer is peak season for Rental Living temp staff 

Student accommodation sees a wave of turnover every summer, with students moving in and out within weeks of each other. Extra temporary support keeps front desks running smoothly during the busiest months. 

The sector has also had to adapt to the Renters' Rights Act, which received royal assent in October 2025 and introduced significant changes for landlords and tenants across the private rented sector. With so many moving parts, businesses need reliable temp workers to keep operations running. 

How to get started with temp recruitment 

We take this seriously because a temp contractor represents deverellsmith on-site. If they don't do a good job, neither do we. That's why we're just as invested in our contractors as our clients are. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is temp recruitment in the property sector? 

Temp recruitment in property means hiring vetted temporary or contract staff for roles such as marketing, sales, front of house, facilities or asset management. It's usually billed weekly rather than through a permanent salary, giving employers flexibility without a long-term commitment. 

How quickly can a temp worker start in the UK property market? 

With deverellsmith's temp desk, we can usually place a vetted candidate within days rather than weeks, because we've already taken the time to understand your business. 

Can a temporary contract turn into a permanent job? 

Yes. It's common for a temp worker to prove themselves so well on a contract that the client offers them a permanent position. Many employers now use temp recruitment as a genuine trial period before committing to a permanent hire. 

Why is temp recruitment growing in rental living and build to rent? 

The UK rental living market, including build to rent, co-living and student accommodation, is expanding rapidly. This growth, combined with recent renters' rights legislation, has increased demand for flexible temporary staff who can support both frontline and operational roles. 

About The Podcast Guests 

Alice – Business Manager, deverellsmith Temp Desk 

Alice has spent over five years leading deverellsmith's temp and contract desk, specialising in New Homes Sales, Customer Service and Concierge placements. A former professional actress and singer, she brings that creative background into building genuine, lasting relationships with clients and candidates alike. Connect with Alice on LinkedIn or email alice.murray@deverellsmith.com.