How to Transition from Another Industry to a Career in Property

Thinking About a Career in Property?

Changing careers can feel daunting, but moving into the estate agency or lettings sector is one of the most rewarding switches you can make. Whether you’re coming from sales, customer service, finance, retail, or hospitality, the property industry values transferable skills and offers strong career progression.

In this blog, we’ll break down the key steps to help you make a smooth transition, and land a role that truly fits your strengths and ambitions.

1️⃣ Understand Why Property Could Be Right for You

Property roles combine people skills, problem-solving, and performance-based rewards. If you enjoy building relationships, working towards goals, and seeing your results first-hand, you’ll thrive here.

Estate and lettings agencies are built on trust and communication — two qualities often honed in other industries. Your background might not be in property, but if you’ve ever worked in a target-driven or customer-focused environment, you already have a strong foundation.

💡 Tip: Write down three skills you use every day in your current job. Chances are, at least two of them are valuable in estate or lettings roles.



2️⃣ Identify Transferable Skills

Here are some examples of transferable skills that property employers value:

When you can demonstrate these strengths, your lack of direct experience becomes less important.

🔍 Highlight these skills on your CV and in interviews, they show your potential to succeed.

3️⃣ Get Familiar with the Industry

Start by learning how the estate and lettings process works. Research local agencies, follow industry news, and understand how property values, lettings regulations, and client expectations vary across regions.

You don’t need to know every law or term from day one, but showing genuine curiosity makes a huge impression. Many agencies will happily train someone motivated and eager to learn.

📚 Explore resources like Propertymark, Rightmove News, or Windmill9 Consulting’s blog for insight into current trends.

4️⃣ Tailor Your CV and LinkedIn Profile

Make it easy for hiring managers to see how your experience aligns with their needs.

Start with a strong personal profile focused on your passion for property.

Add relevant achievements that reflect communication, sales, or customer care success.

If you’ve completed any property-related training or qualifications, such as Propertymark Level 3, include them prominently.

💬 Recruiters like us at Windmill9 often prioritise personality and attitude over industry experience — a well-crafted CV helps us present you confidently to our clients.



5️⃣ Consider Entry Routes and Training

You don’t always need to start from scratch. There are several entry paths depending on your background:

• Trainee Negotiator: Ideal if you’re strong in sales or customer service.

• Property Administrator or Coordinator: Perfect if you’re organised and process-driven.

• Lettings Assistant: Great if you want to learn about tenancy law and client management.

For long-term progression, consider short courses such as:

• Propertymark Qualifications

• CPD-approved online training in property law, sales, or lettings management

🎯 Starting small doesn’t mean staying small, many top Branch Managers began as Trainees.

6️⃣ Work with a Specialist Recruiter

This is where we come in. At Windmill9 Consulting, we specialise exclusively in estate agency and lettings recruitment. We know which employers welcome career changers, and we’ll match you with roles that fit your skills, goals, and location.

You’ll get:

✅ Honest feedback on your CV

✅ Guidance through interviews

✅ Access to unadvertised roles across the Midlands and UK

✅ Personal insight into company culture before you apply

💬 We’re here to help you bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be.

Transitioning into property is achievable with the right approach, attitude, and support. Your past experience has more value than you think, it’s simply about showing how it applies to this exciting, fast-moving industry.

If you’re ready to explore your options, take the next step today.

📞 Ready to Start Your Property Career?

At Windmill9 Consulting, we’ve helped countless professionals move into rewarding roles within estate and lettings agencies. Whether you’re a complete newcomer or shifting from a related field, we’ll guide you through every step.

👉 Get in touch today for a confidential chat about your next move.



• 📞 Call: 0116 232 5181
• 📧 Email: contact@windmill9.uk
• 💻 Website: www.windmill9.uk       for exclusive property career resources
•       Visit The Windmill9 LinkedIn Page