Introduction

The UK property sector is changing fast. Rising labour costs, compliance pressures, and a shrinking talent pool are reshaping how agencies operate. According to Propertymark’s 2024 Workforce Report, over 60% of property firms say recruitment has become harder since 2022.

With wage growth outpacing revenue and administrative tasks eating up valuable time, even high-performing teams are under strain. The question is no longer if property businesses should rethink how they resource their operations, but how.

The answer lies in a smarter model: remote property support. It allows agencies to build capacity, reduce costs, and maintain quality, all without expanding local headcount.

A sector under pressure

The latest CIPD Labour Market Outlook reports that over 70% of UK employers say vacancies are harder to fill. Property agencies are feeling this more than most, juggling renewals, maintenance, compliance, and client communication with smaller teams than before.

A lettings administrator in London now costs around £32,000 a year before benefits and workspace expenses, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Meanwhile, many managers spend half their week on non-revenue-generating admin.

This combination of high costs and limited capacity is eroding margins and holding back growth. Agencies need new ways to stay competitive without burning out their teams.

Why remote support has gone mainstream

Remote and hybrid work have become the norm across UK industries. The ONS notes that over 50% of UK businesses now operate with remote or hybrid models, and property firms are rapidly following suit.

For many agencies, starting small has proven to be the best entry point. Hiring a remote property administrator or compliance coordinator helps ease daily workload while improving consistency and communication.

The benefits are tangible:

• Up to 40% cost savings compared with local hires.
• Access to skilled, UK-trained professionals.
• Flexible scalability during busy periods.
• Reliable support without HR or payroll stress.

As one London agency director put it: “Our remote property manager handles maintenance follow-ups and renewals with precision. It feels like having another expert in the office, just working from afar.”

The financial case for remote teams

The cost gap between local and remote roles is substantial. A typical UK hire costs around £42,000–£45,000 per year, including National Insurance and overheads, compared with roughly £26,880 per year for a full-time Seamless property professional.

That difference allows agencies to reinvest in technology, marketing, or expansion instead of absorbing rising salary costs. Recruitment is also faster: most Seamless placements go live in two to four weeks, compared with up to two months for a local hire.

To explore specific role rates and salary comparisons, visit the Seamless Pricing page

Clearing up the myths

Some leaders still hesitate, often due to outdated perceptions of remote work.

• “It will be hard to manage remotely.” In reality, modern collaboration tools and UK working hours make communication effortless.
• “Quality might drop.” All Seamless professionals are IARSP-certified and trained to UK standards, with ongoing performance reviews.
• “Data will not be secure.” Every role follows strict GDPR-compliant protocols, uses encrypted systems, and includes signed NDAs.

The result is a reliable, secure, and performance-driven workforce that feels fully integrated into your business.

Building your remote property team

Getting started is simpler than most expect. Successful agencies typically follow a clear roadmap:

1. Identify capacity gaps. Look for repetitive or time-consuming admin that prevents your team from focusing on growth.
2. Define results. Set measurable goals such as “reduce maintenance backlog” or “improve renewal turnaround.”
3. Select your role. The most popular placements include:
   • Property Manager: oversees portfolios, tenancies, and compliance.
   • Assistant Property Manager: supports communication, scheduling, and admin.
   • Lettings Administrator: handles referencing, deposits, and compliance diaries.
   • Assistant Block Manager: coordinates maintenance, residents, and service charge admin.
4. Onboard efficiently. Most Seamless teams go live within two to three days if staff are available, or within four weeks with recruitment.

The future of property staffing

CIPD predicts that UK admin and support vacancies will remain challenging until at least 2027, while digital adoption and client expectations continue to rise. Agencies that act now are already blending local and remote teams to reduce risk, stay agile, and extend service hours.

The future of property staffing is hybrid, borderless, and flexible. Those who build that capacity early will be best positioned to lead.

With Seamless, you can:

• Cut operating costs by up to 40%.
• Build reliable capacity in days instead of months.
• Free your in-house team to focus on growth.

Discover how Seamless helps property businesses build stronger teams →