International Women’s Day: Female agents highlight importance of girl power

Female estate agents have shared the highs and lows of working in the property industry to mark International Women’s Day (IWD).

The Guild of Property Professionals has asked some of its members to share their experiences and challenges when it comes to equality and equity in the agency sector.

Kate Taylor, director at Taylor and Co, said: “As I look at the position of women in the property industry today, I am motivated and encouraged by the strong women who I see all around me, supporting fellow co-workers achieve their best and succeed.  

“We all recognise that throughout our careers, our priorities and responsibilities shift and change depending on our age, and we are affected by a range of issues including pregnancy, maternity leave, childcare, promotion and job change, the menopause, adapting to blended families and providing care for our elderly relatives.  

“It is important that as managers within the industry, we realise that everyone’s circumstances are different and in line with IWD23’s message this year, we look past equality to enabling equity in our teams so that every member, woman or man, has the chance to thrive, as by achieving our goals we will all ultimately be successful. 

Nicola Wijewardene, owner of Redwood Estate Agents, added: “As the leader of an all-female team, I truly believe in woman power.

“As a mother to my daughter and the female lead to my team of ladies, I hope to empower them, install self-belief and the importance in building each other up.  Women in property bring a whole new dynamic to the estate agency career.  

"My team of women are a fantastic bunch, they are kind, empathetic and understanding but also get the job done with professionalism. Alongside raising families, supporting dependant relatives, and managing their homes, they truly are superheroes. 

“As a team of women, we are determined to break the stigma of the ‘estate agent’ in a historically male dominated world, by bringing our fresh, warm, effective approach to the business, while achieving amazing results. Women in property are to be aspired to for being confident and having self-belief and achieving everything they possibly wish to, not letting the misogynistic views affect their goals.  You go girls, we’ve got this.”

Angi Cooney, director at C residential, said the day is a reminder to work together to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all genders.

She said: “Here at C residential we celebrate and look after the women in our business because they are an integral part of any successful organisation. Currently, we are a female-led business, not because I employ only women, but because I simply employ the best people for the job. 

“What is brilliant though, is seeing the women at C residential thriving and acting as role models to all the young girls in Staffordshire, which can help break down the barriers for future generations and show them that there is hope, a path forward and a chance to achieve great things in a supportive and understanding environment.

“International Women’s Day is not just a day dedicated to honouring women around the world for their contributions and achievements, it’s a reminder that there is still more to do and that we are all in this together, working towards a better future for all."

Meanwhile. former Savills associate director Charlotte Strang has launched a new buying agency business.

As the world marks International Women’s Day, she has unveiled her new brand – Strang & Co – to focus on the mid to upper property markets across Bristol, Bath, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

Strang is an experienced chartered surveyor and RICS registered valuer with more than 15 years’ experience of working in the property industry.

She began her career with Savills in 2008, where she spent the best part of a decade working at a senior level in the head office in London, specialising in valuing residential properties for loan security and tax purposes.

In 2017, Strang moved back to Bristol working as a senior development surveyor for around five years.

She said this helped her gain an in-depth knowledge of the local property market, whilst also developing a wide range of trusted contacts from solicitors, through to surveyors, architects, interior designers and various other specialists.

Specialising primarily in residential sales, Strang & Co acts on behalf of vetted cash buyers who seek houses or flats, with budgets upwards of £600,000. 

Within just weeks of launching, Strang has already secured several mandates from those seeking their dream homes, second homes and investment opportunities. 

Current search briefs include a Bristol based family seeking a large house in Clifton with a budget of up to £2.5m, whilst a mother and son from Canada are looking for a two-bedroom flat in Bristol up to £700,000, close to the university.

As a secondary service, Strang & Co also help time-poor tenants seek rental homes, which are predominantly off market. 

Strang said: “I am very excited to have launched my own buying agency. It’s something that I had thought about doing for a few years, having witnessed great demand for properties in Bristol, Bath and the surrounding areas. 

“This was particularly apparent following the pandemic, where I recognised how challenging it can be for purchasers to acquire the right property and avoid costly mistakes. 

“Finding a property to rent can also be a stressful, complex and all-consuming process too in the current market, so I wanted to offer a service where I can take the same great care in finding ideal homes for tenants, as I do for our clients that are looking to purchase. 

“I have been thoroughly enjoying expanding my network and getting to know the local agents, and have already started to introduce them to my proceedable buyers and tenants.”

International Men’s Day is 19 November. We shouldn’t have to write this but it is a regular query at this time of year.