Bradley Hellier's perspective.
It’s hard to believe we’re already in Q4. As a recruiter working across Estate Agency, New Homes/BTR and Business Development, I’ve been reflecting on 2025 so far - and it’s been a year full of challenges, resilience, and lessons learned.
This year, most conversations with clients and candidates have circled around:
- Renters’ Reform
- Stamp Duty & Property Tax changes
- National Insurance
- Interest Rates & Economic Conditions
- Corporate Acquisitions
- The rise of AI & Tech in the industry
That’s a heavy list. And when the industry faces more questions than answers outside of it's control, the natural response is a “pause.” We’ve seen buyers, sellers, investors and employers hold back, waiting for clarity. In PCL this has been especially tough, while further-out London markets - often driven by local buyers rather than investors - have shown stronger resilience.
Yet even in tougher cycles, there are wins worth celebrating. My own 2025 highlights thus far include placing:
- An Associate Director (Investment & Development) in PCL
- A Senior Sales Consultant at a boutique London agency
- A Sales Manager for a corporate agency in SW London
- A Senior Lettings Consultant for a boutique West London & international agency
- A Sales Manager in Manchester at a New Homes-focused agency
So what are the companies that are thriving doing differently?
- Training staff: when the going gets tough, the tough get going. There’s no better time to refine skills.
- Rewarding success and working hard to retain top performers, ensuring they feel valued.
- Embracing technology: letting AI take care of admin tasks, freeing up time for what actually brings in fees and human connection.
- Maintaining culture: even when numbers are down, keeping the team together and celebrating wins, however small.
- Partnering with a recruiter: in uncertain markets, good candidates can be hesitant to move. Having a recruiter who knows how to find, engage and secure talent saves leaders time. Hire the right sales professional and they can bill £300k+ annually - the recruitment fee pales in comparison.
In recruitment, Q4 typically sees strong activity in October. My view is that to set your team up for success in 2026, you hire in Q4 - it doesn't matter which month. You get people settled, integrated and trained, so by January they’re refreshed and ready to hit the ground running.
Looking ahead, there’s cause for optimism. Forecasts suggest that Q1 and Q2 2026 could mark a turning point. Analysts predict UK house prices may rise by 4–5%, with London tracking national growth and regions like the North West and Yorkshire expected to outperform. If projections hold, the average UK home could surpass £300,000 by the end of 2026 - restoring confidence for buyers, sellers and investors alike. Take note before you move to Dubai!
UK Property Market to Regain Strength in 2026 – LandlordBuyer
I’d love to hear: how has 2025 been for you, and what are your own predictions for 2026?
Contact Bradley on 02070483304 or pop him an email: bradley@gkrinternational.com
