Property
Overview
The property industry is a cornerstone of New Zealand's economy. It contributes around 15% of the country’s GDP and employs nearly 10% of the workforce—that’s over 235,000 people. As of September 2024, the total value of residential and commercial property stock exceeded $2.2 trillion, highlighting its critical role in national wealth and economic stability.
Source: Property Council New Zealand
What does the future hold?
New Zealand’s property market is evolving. After a period of cooling, residential prices are stabilising and expected to grow modestly (around 4–5% annually) as interest rates fall and the economy recovers.
Commercial property is facing mixed fortunes—premium office spaces are in demand, while older buildings face rising vacancies. Some of these may be converted into housing, helping ease the housing shortage.
The rise of remote work has reshaped demand. Many people are moving to regional areas for lifestyle reasons, and homes with dedicated office spaces and good internet are now highly sought after.
Despite challenges, the industry is adapting. With creative and proactive professionals, property will remain a vital part of New Zealand’s future—because we all need somewhere to live, work, and thrive.
What skills and attributes can I gain from my Bachelor of Property (BProp) degree?
Studying Property helps you develop a range of skills with wide applicability, including:
- Practical, real-world experience of property markets
- Written and oral communication skills
- Relationship building skills
- Data, research and information analysis skills
- Knowledge of finance and investment
- Knowledge of development and building surveying
- Knowledge of marketing techniques
- Strong sense of professional standards and ethics
- Good time management and organisational skills
- Problem-solving ability
- Numeracy
- Computer skills
Property career options
Career opportunities include:
- Asset management coordinator
- Commercial and industrial property adviser
- Digital marketing coordinator
- Facilities officer
- Franchise support administrator
- Historic building inspector/conservation officer
- Leasing coordinator
- Mortgage broker/adviser
- Project manager
- Property and operations assistant
- Property consultant
- Property developer/investor/maintenance
supervisor - Property marketing specialist
- Property finance analyst
- Property manager
- Property staging assistant
- Quantity surveyor
- Real estate agent
- Renovation consultant
- Rural practice surveyor
- Sales consultant/estimator
- Urban Planner
- Valuer
- Workplace/housing coordinator
These are just a few career examples—don’t feel limited to them. Some roles may require several years of work experience, additional study, or certifications, especially in academic or specialist fields.
Remember, many employers welcome graduates from a wide range of degree backgrounds. And if you have big ideas of your own, you might consider developing and managing a start-up in the entrepreneurial space.
Social media platforms like LinkedIn can also help you stay up to date with industry trends, events, and job opportunities.
Where do Property graduates work?
Property professionals can find employment in a wide range of organisations including construction companies, consultancies, real estate agencies, property valuation companies, housing organisations, infrastructure providers and government.
Graduates find roles in:
- Real Estate Agencies: Bayleys, Harcourts, Colliers International, CBRE, JLL
- Property Valuation Firms: Quotable Value (QV), Preston Rowe Paterson
- Construction & Infrastructure Companies: Beca Ltd, WSP, Tauranga Crossing Ltd
- Government & Councils: Auckland Council, Christchurch City Council, Selwyn District Council, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), NZTA
- Corporate Property Teams: Farmers Trading Company, SkyCity, Auckland International Airport
- Banking & Insurance: ANZ, Rabobank, AMI, IAG
- Housing Organisations: Housing New Zealand (now Kāinga Ora)
- Consultancies & Asset Managers: Equinox Capital, Goodman Asset Services, Oyster Property Group
- Research & Analytics Firms: Darroch, Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC)
University of Auckland clubs and societies for Property students
Auckland University Property Students Society (AUPSS)
AUPSS is the property student association of UOA. We are all about connecting people within the property faculty and industry. We run networking events to help connect you with industry and learn all about the different disciplines within property. Learn more
Professional associations for Property students and graduates
- Property Institute of New Zealand (PINZ)
- Property Council New Zealand
- Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ)
- Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
Useful resources
Careers New Zealand
The Careers New Zealand website provides useful salary information for a range of business and industry roles, as well as information on the difference a qualification makes to what you are paid, and advice on negotiating your salary. You can also search for salary information by job. Learn more:
Careers New Zealand
Prospects
Prospects is a UK-based organisation that provides graduate career information.
Prospects