Navigating London's 2025 property market: A guide for job seekers & employers

Deverellsmith reveals how to secure jobs and attract top talent in competitive real estate market 

Property recruitment firm shares strategic insights for navigating 2025's challenging recruitment landscape 

Navigating London's 2025 property market: A guide for job seekers & employers
 
 

LONDON, UK11 August 2025 Leading property recruitment firm deverellsmith has released strategic guidance for professionals and employers navigating 2025's competitive property recruitment market. The firm's latest insights reveal how job seekers can secure roles in challenging conditions and how employers can attract the industry's top 10% of talent. 

The full discussion is now available as a podcast.

How to secure jobs in a competitive market 

According to Chris Litras, Director of Development and Construction at deverellsmith, successful job searches require strategic networking over mass applications. "Real estate remains a relationship-driven industry," Litras explains. "With hiring managers receiving 200-250 applications per role, candidates must leverage existing relationships and seek direct introductions to stand out." 

Key strategies for job seekers include: 

  • Proactively approaching hiring managers through mutual connections 

  • Researching target companies' financial stability and project pipelines 

  • Being specific about career values and targeting aligned employers 

  • Avoiding reactive applications to crowded job boards 

Hannah Taylor, who manages deverellsmith's Rental Living team, emphasises the importance of mentorship. "Find professionals who've walked your intended career path," Taylor advises. "Most senior figures welcome mentorship requests - it's transformational for career development." 

Attracting the top 10% of talent 

For employers seeking premium talent, deverellsmith identifies critical success factors. "The best candidates aren't looking," Litras notes. "Accessing top-tier talent requires perfect strategic alignment with obvious growth opportunities." 

Successful attraction strategies include: 

  • Creating specific roles with clear progression pathways rather than generic positions 

  • Demonstrating financial stability and strong project pipelines 

  • Offering credible employee value propositions 

  • Having well-defined structural needs that provide room for growth 

Hiring behaviour trends for 2025 

The firm's research reveals significant behavioural shifts affecting recruitment processes. Risk-averse candidates are pulling out of processes at final stages, whilst employers are showing increased indecision despite meeting suitable candidates. 

"We're seeing a 'wait and see' mentality mirroring broader market uncertainty," Taylor observes. "However, well-funded companies with clear growth stories continue attracting quality talent." 

Notable trends include professionals diversifying across real estate sectors, with multifamily experts pivoting to single-family housing and PBSA specialists exploring mixed-use opportunities. 

Market recommendations 

Deverellsmith advises both job seekers and employers to approach the market strategically rather than reactively. Success requires patience, precision, and proactive relationship building in uncertain conditions. 

"The recruitment landscape remains challenging, but opportunities exist for those who network effectively and maintain strategic focus," concludes Litras. 

Want to hear the full conversation between Chris Litras and Hannah Taylor? 
Watch the podcast now or find it on all major platforms. 

 

About deverellsmith 

Deverellsmith is a leading real estate recruitment firm specialising in investment, development, and construction sectors, providing strategic talent acquisition guidance to property companies seeking senior professionals. 

 

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