As we move further into 2025, the Australian property and real estate industry continues to evolve—this time not just in property trends, but in the people behind them. While housing prices and rental demand grab headlines, there’s another story unfolding: a wave of career reassessment, role movement, and renewed expectations from both employers and jobseekers in the property sector.

According to SEEK’s recent Employment Dashboard, job ads across the Real Estate and Property category rose by 14.2% year-on-year nationally, with South Australia recording one of the strongest upticks in candidate applications.

At the same time, retention remains a challenge—professionals are seeking more than just a paycheck; they want roles that align with lifestyle, values, and progression.

Recruitment in real estate is no longer about filling gaps—it’s about building resilient teams who can thrive through change. This includes everything from sales agents to property managers, administrators, and leadership roles. And with low unemployment, high mobility, and a growing appetite for purpose-driven work, the competition for top talent is fierce.

Industry Insights: What's Really Happening on the Ground?

In a recent live stream conversation, Peta Seaman, Managing Director of Edge Recruitment, and Deanne Goodwin, Department Manager, New Business with Gary J Smith Real Estate, shared firsthand insights from both the hiring and candidate sides of the industry.

Peta opened the conversation by noting that 2025 started with a marked increase in movement across the board. “It’s almost like the floodgates opened at the start of February,” she said. “We had people reassessing their roles, more clients recruiting, and a noticeable shift in energy from the quieter January period.”

This trend isn’t just about change for the sake of change. As Deanne observed, today’s real estate professionals are much more intentional about where and how they work. “People want their roles to reflect their values,” she said. “Whether that’s being closer to home, having more flexibility, or working in a supportive culture—it matters more than ever.”

This sentiment is translating into more selective job searches. Peta explained that candidates are asking different questions than they were even a year ago. “They’re not just looking at salary anymore. They want to know about leadership style, growth pathways, team structure, and even mental health support,” she shared.

For employers, this means traditional job ads aren’t cutting it. If you want to attract high-quality talent, you need to communicate your culture clearly—and back it up. “The agencies doing well are the ones who are clear on who they are, what they offer, and who will thrive there,” Peta added.

Deanne also spoke about the internal shifts happening in agencies. With pressure on performance and retention, there’s a growing focus on investing in staff development and wellbeing. “You can’t just assume people will stay because they’re good at what they do,” she said. “You’ve got to look after them, give them reasons to grow with you.”

What Employers and Jobseekers Should Focus on in 2025

If you're recruiting—or being recruited—into the property space this year, here are the top priorities and actions to keep in mind:

1. For Employers: Sell More Than Just the Role: Gone are the days when a job ad listing duties and salary was enough. Today’s candidates want to know about your leadership, support systems, flexibility, and future plans. Use your interviews as a two-way conversation, not an interrogation. What makes your business a great place to stay?
   
   
2. For Candidates: Know Your Non-Negotiables: Peta and Deanne both spoke about how candidates are more confident in knowing what they want—and what they don’t. That clarity is a strength. Whether it’s location, work-life balance, career path, or company culture, being upfront helps you find a role that truly fits.
   
   
3. Create Environments Where People Stay: Retention is just as critical as recruitment. Employers should think long-term: are your team members growing with you, or growing restless? Regular check-ins, honest conversations, and career development plans can turn good staff into long-term leaders.
   
   
4. Flexibility is No Longer Optional: Hybrid and flexible work expectations have filtered into every corner of real estate—from admin roles to leadership. Even in a people-facing industry, staff are looking for ways to balance work and life without compromising performance. Businesses that adapt to this reality will attract and keep better people.
   
   
5. Professionalism is Rising Across the Board: Peta noted that candidates are preparing more for interviews, updating resumes, and treating job searches with a high level of professionalism. This is also being mirrored in how people apply for rental roles or internal promotions. For jobseekers, this is your edge—present well and you’ll stand out.

A New Chapter for Real Estate Careers

There’s no doubt that 2025 is a year of mobility and maturity in the property sector.

As roles evolve, expectations rise, and people reassess what truly matters in their careers, the agencies who listen, adapt, and invest in their people will be the ones who thrive.

As Peta said during the session, “The people who are open to movement and growth—those are the ones thriving.”

And for employers, the opportunity is clear: be the place where great people want to grow.

You can watch the full chat covering all the key trends shaping the property landscape across Australia and New Zealand in 2025 via LinkedIn here.