Mid-Year Property Recruitment Outlook for SA

July 1, 2025

What Employers and Candidates Need to Know for FY 2025

As we enter the new financial year, the South Australian property and real estate industry is showing signs of cautious optimism — with steady demand in residential sales, increased activity in commercial leasing, and growing pressure on property management teams.

For employers and candidates alike, FY 2025 presents a unique mix of opportunity and challenge. Skills shortages persist across some key roles, but businesses are also reshaping their teams to reflect changing market conditions and client expectations.

Here’s what you need to know about the current hiring landscape — and where demand is rising across the industry.

Hiring Trends: What We’re Seeing Right Now

1. Quality Over Quantity

After a couple of years of rapid growth and aggressive hiring, many real estate businesses are shifting focus toward strategic, sustainable growth. The emphasis is now on hiring people who:

Can deliver results independently
Bring strong interpersonal and tech skills
Align with long-term team culture and values

As a result, recruitment processes are becoming more selective — but also more proactive. Employers are open to conversations with high-potential candidates even if roles aren't officially advertised.

2. Increased Investment in Support Roles

With rising workloads and compliance pressures, agencies are increasingly hiring:

Sales administrators
Leasing assistants
Receptionists and office coordinators

These roles are critical in improving efficiency and client service, and they often serve as stepping stones for those looking to move into sales or property management.

3. Retention Is a Priority

Many agencies are focused not just on hiring, but on keeping the talent they already have. Expect to see more emphasis on:

Career development plans
Flexible work options
Bonus and incentive structure reviews

This also means internal promotions are on the rise — but only for those who’ve shown loyalty, growth and performance.

Where Demand Is Growing

1. Residential Property Managers

The demand for property managers continues to outstrip supply. Burnout and attrition remain issues in the sector, prompting agencies to offer:

Higher salaries
Reduced portfolio sizes
Better admin support

Candidates with strong communication, organisation, and conflict resolution skills are especially sought after — even if they’re coming from outside the industry.

2. Business Development Managers (BDMs)

As competition increases, many agencies are turning to BDMs to grow their rent rolls and expand market share. This role is ideal for candidates with:

A sales mindset
Strong local knowledge
A passion for client relationships

There’s also a push for hybrid roles, where BDMs assist with leasing or property management when needed.

3. Commercial Leasing & Asset Management

The commercial market is showing signs of resurgence, especially in logistics, retail, and office repositioning. This is creating demand for:

Commercial leasing consultants
Junior asset managers
Assistants in corporate property teams

Employers are open to upskilling candidates with residential backgrounds who show strong aptitude and professionalism.

4. Strata & Facilities Management

As apartment living grows and building compliance becomes more complex, strata managers and facilities coordinators are increasingly in demand. These roles suit highly organised professionals who can juggle stakeholder management, budgeting, and compliance tasks.

Emerging Opportunities to Watch in FY 2025

Sales agents with a digital edge: Those who know how to use CRM systems, digital listing tools, and social media are becoming more valuable than ever.
Tech-savvy property managers: Agencies are investing in cloud-based software and automation — and they need staff who can adapt quickly.
Sustainability and compliance-focused roles: Especially in commercial property, there’s growing attention to ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) and building compliance, which may create new specialist positions in the coming years.

For Employers: Time to Reassess Your Hiring Strategy

Now is the perfect time to:

Review your team structure
Identify future skill gaps
Invest in recruitment before the spring rush

Hiring reactively in peak season can lead to poor fits. Starting the search now gives you the upper hand — and access to quality candidates before the competition ramps up.

For Candidates: Be Proactive, Not Passive

If you’re thinking of a move this financial year, now is the time to:

Update your resume
Reach out to recruiters
Consider what kind of role or culture best supports your growth

FY 2025 is likely to reward those who are clear on their goals and confident in their next step.

The property industry in South Australia is evolving — and so are the expectations around who’s hired and why. Whether you’re running a business or building your career, staying ahead of these trends can make all the difference.

Need help navigating the FY 2025 market? The Edge Recruitment team specialises in real estate and property roles across SA. Let’s talk about how we can support your next move — or your next great hire.

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Why EOFY Is the Smartest Time to Change Jobs or Hire

By Corrin Corrin • June 24, 2025

The end of the financial year is a busy time across South Australia’s property and real estate industry — not just for accountants and agencies reviewing the books, but also for professionals reassessing their career direction. Whether you’re in sales, property management, leasing, or support, July often marks a fresh start . And if you've been considering a career move, there are some compelling reasons why right now might be the best time to take action . 1. New Budgets Mean New Hires At the start of a new financial year, most property and real estate businesses reset their annual budgets. That means: New headcount is approved Growth targets are locked in Teams that were stretched thin during the past year are finally given the green light to hire For job seekers, this creates a surge in demand for talent — particularly for roles in sales, business development, and property management where revenue growth is key. Agencies are also more likely to invest in onboarding, training, and marketing new staff now, rather than mid-year or during the Christmas slowdown. 2. Performance Reviews Are a Catalyst for Change EOFY is traditionally when many employees receive formal performance reviews and commission payouts. While positive reviews can lead to promotions or salary increases, for others, this period can shine a spotlight on: Unmet expectations Lack of progression opportunities Underappreciation or under-compensation If you’ve walked away from your review feeling deflated, that’s a clear sign it may be time to explore new opportunities — particularly if your current role no longer aligns with your long-term goals. 3. The Spring Property Market Is Coming — Get In Early We all know that spring is one of the busiest times of year for the property market, and smart candidates position themselves well in advance. If you start your job search in July: You have time to transition into a new role You can complete onboarding and training You’ll be ready to hit the ground running when market activity spikes in September Waiting until spring often means you’ll be competing with more candidates for fewer roles, with less lead-in time to settle into your new environment. 4. Candidate Supply Is Still Tight — Leverage That Advantage Across South Australia, we’re still seeing a shortage of experienced candidates in many parts of the property and real estate industry. Sales agents, property managers, and leasing consultants with proven track records are in high demand — and employers are increasingly willing to offer: Competitive salary and commission structures Flexible working arrangements Stronger professional development pathways If you’ve got the experience and drive, now is the time to negotiate from a position of strength. 5. Clarity and Momentum Matter There’s something about July that naturally invites people to reset. The first half of the year is behind you, and there’s still time to make big career moves before the year is out. Whether you’ve outgrown your current role, want to break into a new segment of the industry, or are just feeling burnt out — making a change now can give you the clarity and momentum you need. HOT TIP: Don’t Wait for “The Perfect Time” Many people stay in roles longer than they should because they’re waiting for the “right moment.” But as with most facets of the property and real estate industry — timing is everything . With budgets resetting, hiring activity on the rise, and the spring market just around the corner, EOFY is the window of opportunity you’ve been waiting for. Ready to Make Your Move? Edge Recruitment specialises in connecting property and real estate professionals with the right roles across South Australia. Whether you're actively job hunting or just want to explore what’s out there, our team is here to help. Get in touch for a confidential chat — your next role could be just around the corner.