Property Placements
Curious about what it’s like to work in the property world? Whether you're interested in selling homes, managing buildings, or shaping the spaces we live and work in, a property placement is a great way to get a taste of the industry.
These year-long opportunities let you step inside the world of estate agents, surveyors, developers, and property managers, giving you hands-on experience and a clearer idea of where a future career in real estate could take you.
DURATION: One year | FOR: 2nd & 3rd years | AVG SALARY: £21,000 | AVG RATING: 4.7/5 | WHEN TO APPLY: Sep-May
What are property placements?
Property placements are work experience opportunities within the property and real estate industry. They give students the chance to explore what it’s like to work in areas such as residential lettings, property management, surveying, planning, or commercial real estate.
These placements tend to last between 5 and 13 months and are often offered by property firms, housing associations, or local councils. You’ll work in-between your second and final year of university, and be paid a salary for the duration.
During a property placement, you might shadow professionals, assist with property viewings, help manage rental agreements, support admin tasks, or even get involved in basic valuation or planning work. It’s a great way to learn about the different roles in the industry, gain practical skills, and decide whether a career in property is right for you.
Plus, it can strengthen your CV and help you make connections that could lead to future graduate jobs in real estate.
If you can't take a year out, you should consider a real estate internship instead. Running for one to four months over the summer holidays, these shorter work experience schemes fit into the university calendar and still allow you to gain experience on your CV.
Which companies offer property placements?
There are a plethora of property companies that are on the look-out for placement students every year. A couple of them also managed to be in our Top Student Employers. Check these out:
Here’s what a placement student with Savills said about their time:
The work I completed will benefit my final year of university significantly. I developed my understanding in modules that I had studied in my second year, and was able to put this knowledge to practical use. I was able to fine-tune my understanding of certain subjects and developed my confidence within networking. The connections I have made whilst working for Savills have been fantastic and will be very helpful to my future career and development. Sandwich Placement Student, Savills
How much do property placements pay?
While your specific salary will depend on your employer and location, you can normally expect to earn around £21,000 annually.
It’s also important to know that having the experience that a real estate placement offers will allow you to get into the industry much faster after you graduate. Which also means big earnings.
There are opportunities to work in real estate across the whole country, and even internationally if you prefer. The world is your oyster with a career in real estate.
How to apply
Start by researching companies in the property and real estate sector, such as estate agencies, surveying firms, housing developers, or local councils. Many of these organisations offer placements.
We host property placements on our website here at Higherin, so start your placement search now.
When applying, you’ll usually need to send a CV and placement cover letter explaining why you’re interested in property, what you hope to learn, and any relevant experience or skills you have.
It helps to show enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, and a basic understanding of the industry. Some larger firms may have formal application processes, while smaller businesses might arrange placements more informally, so it’s worth being proactive and professional in your approach.
If you're invited to the next stage, be sure to read our interview tips and techniques.
Apply for Property Placements
Ready to enrich your career? We have LOADS of placements in the property industry available right now.
Register Your Interest - Civil Engineering Industrial Placement
at Network Rail
- Placement (10 Months+)
- Glasgow, Manchester, Stafford, York
Register Your Interest - Savills Sandwich Placement 2026
at Savills
- Placement (10 Months+)
- £25,000 - £27,500
- Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Chelmsford, Edinburgh + 5 more.
Register Your Interest - National Real Estate Placement
at Aldi
- Placement (10 Months+)
- £26,000
- Atherstone
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