SA’s property boom triggers a surge in interest in jobs in real estate

The current property boom and record-breaking sales growth has kicked off new career demand in real estate.

The last year has been hailed as a historic one for real estate across most capital cities in Australia, including Adelaide. 2022 has continued the good run with house price records being smashed and new trends emerge.

The current property boom has kicked off interest in a real estate career and according to industry experts, the pandemic has also got people to reassess their career choices.

Fresh into his current role as an executive sales agent with National Realty in Port Adelaide, Nicholas Bucco says the timing is perfect for those looking to start a career in real estate.

“The real estate market is very busy at the moment and there are a lot of opportunities available as well,” Mr Bucco said.

“I have worked in a sales role in the past but I was keen on a career in real estate, and I got an opportunity to work with a boutique agency in October last year.

“I have also loved networking and this career is a good fit. It’s challenging but very exciting,” said Mr Bucco.

New to the profession, Nicholas Bucco of National Realty, is off to a promising start. Picture: Michael Marschall

According to the Labour Force Survey (November 2021) by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, employment in Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services is projected to grow by 13,500 (or 6.5 per cent) over the five years to November 2025.

According to Fabio Ganter, chief operating officer at Real Estate Training Academy, a leading provider of nationally accredited real estate courses in SA, with the property market booming, careers in the real estate sector are becoming more attractive.

“The real estate market has seen unprecedented growth in 2021 and 2022 – be it in sales volumes, record prices or developments. People are seeing this and are looking to begin their real estate career,” Mr Ganter said.

“The Real Estate Training Academy has an extremely strong standing and reputation in the SA real estate industry, and we interact with agencies across SA daily. We are seeing huge demand for real estate professionals, both in sales and property management,” he said.

Buoyed by the current market trends and the surge in real estate job listings, Adelaide-based Navkirat Singh is looking to enrol in a real estate course this month.

“I currently work in a customer service role with a telecom service provider but I want to make a career switch,” Mr Singh said.

“I have approached a few agencies and I feel there are good career prospects in real estate.”

Ray White South Austalia CEO Matthew Lindblom. Pic: Supplied.

With the real estate market at an all-time high, agencies are on the lookout for staff in all fields, but most predominantly in property management.

According to Ray White South Austalia’s CEO, Matthew Lindblom, the current rental market is very strong.

“There’s a big demand for property managers. Also, with many experienced property managers retiring or approaching the end of their careers, it’s creating opportunities for people looking to get into the market,” Mr Lindblom said.

“Also, for those looking to work as a sales agent, they need to know that selling property is serious business. So, anyone new to the industry will always start as an associate first.”

While it’s easier to get a job currently given the market conditions, industry experts warn that it could contract soon.

Lachlan Turner, Managing Director, Turner Real Estate. Pic: supplied.

According to Lachlan Turner, managing director at Turner Real Estate, people are keen to explore a career when the industry is doing well. “People read about huge sales results and want to sign up for a real estate course. While it sounds easy to sell a house, it’s not that simple,” Mr Turner said.

“It’s a very competitive market and while there isn’t a shortage of sales agents, as an employer, one is always looking for quality talent.

“For anyone keen to start a real estate career, especially as a sales agent, should try and look for a job with an established agency and in a role where they support a lead agent who is ethical and experienced.”