Why summer is the golden season for temp recruitment in property

As someone who's spent over five years in property recruitment, I can tell you that timing is everything in this industry. While most people think January is recruitment season, the summer property recruitment market tells a different story. Working alongside my colleague Alice on the temp department at deverellsmith, I've seen how summer transforms the recruitment landscape. The reason is simple: everyone wants their holidays, but the property market and demand for real estate doesn't stop. 

This creates what I call the "summer opportunity gap." Permanent staff disappear for well-deserved breaks, leaving clients with urgent staffing needs and less time to be selective. For candidates looking to break into property, this presents an incredible window of opportunity. 

In my experience I've seen countless professionals use summer positions as their gateway into the industry. Alice, who specialises in new homes sales temp jobs, aftercare, and customer service, consistently places candidates from hospitality and luxury retail backgrounds during these peak months. Our recent salary report confirmed this trend, with many successful property professionals began their careers through temporary summer placements. 

Breaking into property: Your strategic advantage 

If you're considering a career change into real estate, real estate temp opportunities during summer offer several distinct advantages: 

We pay our temps weekly, which means you'll receive your wages every Friday. This quick payment system is perfect if you're between jobs, recently graduated, or simply want to supplement your income. I've seen many professionals work their permanent Monday-to-Friday roles whilst taking weekend temp assignments for extra pocket money. 

During peak summer months, the best temporary staff are often already booked. This means clients become more open to candidates without traditional property experience. I've successfully placed hospitality professionals into new homes sales roles simply because their customer service skills translated perfectly to the property sector.   

The property industry values transferable skills more highly during busy periods. Customer service experience from hospitality, attention to detail from retail, and project management from any sector all become highly relevant when clients need immediate support. 

What makes deverellsmith different in temp recruitment 

Quality relationships form the foundation of everything we do at deverellsmith as a leading property temp recruitment agency. Unlike some agencies that treat temporary staff as numbers, we ensure every candidate is personally vetted through face-to-face meetings or Teams calls. This approach benefits everyone involved. 

For clients, this means receiving temps who are genuinely invested in their success. For candidates, it means working with recruiters who understand your career goals and can align temporary assignments with your long-term objectives. 

I take pride in knowing each candidate personally. When I call you about an opportunity, you're not just speaking to "the agency", you're speaking to Tess, someone who knows your aspirations and can help you achieve them. This personal touch extends to how we manage ongoing relationships, ensuring temporary assignments often evolve into permanent opportunities. 

The anatomy of an excellent temp 

With over 7 years of specialist experience in delivering interim talent solutions, I've identified the key qualities that make candidates successful in temp roles: 

• Availability and reliability  

The most crucial factor is being genuinely available when opportunities arise. I've had candidates approach me about temping "in a year's time," which simply doesn't meet current market demands. Successful temps show up consistently, honour their commitments, and maintain transparent communication about any changes in their availability. 

• Research and engagement  

Temporary positions often involve being "thrown in the deep end," but the best candidates prepare thoroughly. They research the company, understand the role requirements, and ask intelligent questions. This preparation demonstrates professionalism and helps ensure success from day one. 

• Adaptability and communication 

Property temp work spans various sectors, from construction project management to new homes sales support. The ability to adapt quickly whilst maintaining open communication with both the client and our team creates lasting success. 

• Seasonal opportunities across property sectors 

Different property sectors experience peak temp demand at various times, creating year-round opportunities for flexible professionals: 

• Finance and administration  

Year-end periods (December) and financial year transitions (April) generate significant demand for temporary finance support. Companies need additional hands to manage increased workloads without expanding permanent headcount. 

• Student accommodation and build-to-rent  

Summer months see massive activity in student accommodation as new tenants register for September and October move-ins. Build-to-rent developments similarly experience peak leasing activity during summer months. 

• Construction and development  

Project-based construction work creates ongoing temp opportunities. Currently, I'm seeing particular demand for fit-out and finishing managers as developments reach completion stages. 

• Marketing and launch support  

New development launches require intensive temporary marketing support, from event management to digital campaigns. These project-based roles offer excellent exposure to different aspects of property marketing. 

The path from temp to permanent 

One of the most rewarding aspects of temp recruitment is seeing short-term roles turn into permanent careers. When candidates show professionalism, adaptability, and value during their placements, they often become top choices for permanent hires.

For clients, it’s a safer bet to hire someone who’s already proven themselves. For job seekers, temp roles offer a strategic way to explore different companies, build industry experience, and expand your network. With clear communication about your career goals, each assignment becomes a stepping stone and a chance to grow your career in property

Your next steps 

If you're considering temporary work in property, summer presents the perfect opportunity to begin your journey. The combination of increased demand, reduced competition, and client flexibility creates ideal conditions for breaking into this rewarding industry. 

Whether you're seeking to supplement your income, explore career change opportunities, or gain property sector experience, our temp team at Deverell Smith can help align your goals with current market opportunities. 

The property industry offers diverse, rewarding career paths, and temporary work provides the perfect gateway to explore these possibilities. Summer's peak demand means more opportunities, better placement chances, and the potential for temp assignments to evolve into permanent career moves. 

Don't wait for the "perfect" moment. Summer is here, demand is high, and opportunities are abundant. Your property career could begin with a single temp assignment this season. 

For expert insights on property sector salaries and market trends, explore our comprehensive property salary guide and stay informed about the latest industry developments. 

About the Authors 

Tess - As a Senior Manager at deverellsmith, Tess brings over 7 years of specialist experience in delivering interim talent solutions across the Residential Development sector. Her reach spans London and the surrounding Home Counties, with strong relationships ranging from major PLC housebuilders, SME developers to leading main contractors.

Tess leads our Temp & Contract division, operating across key disciplines including site-based project roles and New Homes Sales/Customer Services. Known for her pace, precision, and quality of delivery, she consistently connects clients with the right talent - fast.

Alice our temp and contract specialist, has been with deverellsmith for almost 4 years and continues to obsess over finding quick solutions for our partnered clients in New Homes Sales, Customer Service and Concierge. As Business Manager for the team, she enjoys using her creative background (once a professional actress and singer) to build genuine and lasting relationships with her candidates and clients alike.