As someone who has spent over a decade specialising in estate agency recruitment...

and now manages all mid-senior level hires across Prime Central London and the UK at deverellsmith, I've seen firsthand how the property management salary landscape has evolved dramatically over the past year. The sector is experiencing unprecedented changes that every hiring manager and job seeker needs to understand.

The current property management salary landscape

Property management salaries within the estate agency sector have experienced a moderate but meaningful increase over the past year.

The driving forces behind these salary increases are threefold: inflation pressures, a genuine shortage of skilled professionals, and intensifying competition for experienced talent. What I'm seeing in my day-to-day recruitment work aligns perfectly with broader market trends - employers are finding it challenging to attract and retain quality candidates at previous salary levels.

Market pressures reshaping compensation strategies

The property recruitment market is particularly challenging right now. One of the biggest challenges currently facing the industry is a growing talent shortage, driving candidates toward roles offering financial stability over commission-based incentives, with many now prioritising guaranteed salaries even at the expense of commission potential.

This shift represents a fundamental change in candidate priorities that I've witnessed firsthand through countless recruitment conversations. Where commission potential once dominated discussions, today's property management professionals are asking different questions about work-life balance and career security.

What top candidates actually want in 2025

Through my experience managing estate agency recruitment at the senior level, I've observed that salary negotiations have evolved far beyond basic compensation discussions. Today's property management professionals are placing greater emphasis on:

Flexible working arrangements

In 2025, we'll continue to see the effects of the post-pandemic shift towards home-working, with more people working remotely and buyer priorities having changed. Property managers are no longer willing to commute daily to central London offices when technology enables them to serve clients effectively from hybrid arrangements.

Career progression opportunities

The most successful property management recruitment conversations I have involve clear advancement pathways. Candidates want to understand not just their immediate role, but how they can progress within 12-24 months.

Job stability and security

Economic uncertainty has led some agencies to be more cautious with hiring and salary increases, but the essential nature of property management roles has sustained recruitment activity. Smart candidates recognise that property management is recession-resistant, but they want employers who demonstrate long-term thinking.

Industry challenges creating opportunities

The current market presents unique challenges that savvy professionals can turn into career advantages:

Build to Rent expansion

Although the concept has existed since 2012, there has been a recent surge in built-to-rent developments, particularly appealing to a younger demographic who seek hassle-free homes with professional property management. This growth is creating new build to rent recruitment opportunities for property managers with the right experience.

Technology integration

By 2025 and beyond, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems will have advanced significantly, offering enhanced lead management capabilities specifically tailored to the needs of estate agents. Property managers who can adapt to new technology platforms are commanding premium salaries.

Salary benchmarks and expectations

Based on our latest deverellsmith salary guide data, here are a few examples of the current salary expectations for property management jobs in 2025:

Assistant Property Manager: £25,000 - £30,000

Senior Property Manager: £35,000 - £45,000

Assistant Head of Property Management: £40,000 - £55,000

Head of Property Management: £55,000 - £90,000 + bonus

These figures reflect current base salaries from our comprehensive market analysis, with senior management roles including performance bonuses that can significantly enhance total compensation packages.

Strategic advice for employers

As someone who works with the UK's leading estate agency recruitment challenges daily, my advice to employers is clear: develop comprehensive packages that address the whole candidate experience.

Beyond base salary:

• Professional development budgets (£2,000-£5,000 annually)

• Flexible working policies with clear guidelines

• Performance-related incentives tied to client satisfaction

• Clear promotion pathways with defined timescales

• Enhanced pension contributions

• Private healthcare benefits

The report reveals the impending impact of the Renters' Rights Bill on commission structures, with agencies transitioning from collecting upfront fees to monthly payments, meaning negotiators are likely to see their remuneration spread across 12 months. Forward-thinking employers are using this regulatory change as an opportunity to create more predictable income streams for their teams.

The future of property management careers

Real estate recruitment trends indicate that the most successful property management professionals will be those who combine traditional relationship-building skills with digital proficiency. The threat landscape has changed significantly, with generative AI-enabled fraud attempts rising by 230% from 2023 to 2024. This creates opportunities for property managers who understand compliance and technology integration.

Conclusion: A candidate-driven market

The property management recruitment market in 2025 favours candidates who understand their value and can articulate their worth beyond just technical skills. Employers who recognise that total compensation extends far beyond salary will secure the best talent.

After 12 years in estate agency recruitment, I've never seen a market where soft skills, cultural fit, and long-term vision matter more. Property management professionals who can demonstrate client relationship skills, technological adaptability, and compliance awareness will command premium compensation packages.

The agencies thriving in this environment are those treating recruitment as a strategic investment, not a cost centre. They understand that in a candidate-driven market, the best property management professionals have choices, and they're making decisions based on career value, not just immediate salary figures.

Tommy Lambourne is Director at deverellsmith, specialising in estate agency recruitment with over 12 years of experience. He manages all mid-senior level hires across Prime Central London and the UK, with extensive knowledge of property management, sales, and lettings recruitment markets.

Download our full Salary Guide & Trends Report 2025 now.

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