In this month’s article I wanted to address the importance of safety within the property sector. It’s actually quite sad that this needs to be highlighted, but also focuses on critical issues that women have to deal with within their roles.

Gender Bias and Communication.

  • Estate Agency: Through personal experiences and studies it is clear that women in real estate, particularly those in sales or property negotiations, often face subtle sexism. Female agents have reported clients addressing their male counterparts more frequently during meetings, even when the women have more experience. This dynamic can undermine their authority and impact deal outcomes.
  • Construction and Property Development: Women in construction management or property development roles often find their opinions are disregarded or undervalued in male-dominated project teams. A survey by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) found that 70% of women felt they were not taken seriously by male colleagues.

Physical Safety in the Workplace

  • Lone Worker Safety Concerns: I’m sure many of us are aware of female estate agent, Suzy Lamplugh. Sadly for the wrong reasons. She disappeared while showing a property in 1986. She was declared missing, and her case highlighted the dangers women face when working alone in property viewings or inspections. The incident led to the establishment of the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, which promotes personal safety and addresses the risks faced by real estate professionals.
  • Another Example: Property managers or agents visiting remote sites have reported being vulnerable to attacks. A study in the Journal of Real Estate Research found that 45% of female agents felt unsafe when conducting property tours alone, particularly in vacant or unoccupied properties.

4. Career Progression Challenges

  • Glass Ceiling Data: A 2020 report by Women in Real Estate (WIRE) found that only 14% of senior leadership roles in the property sector were held by women, despite the fact that women made up 52% of the workforce in entry-level roles. This disparity points to significant structural barriers women face in advancing to higher-level positions, often exacerbated by workplace discrimination and safety concerns.

5. Safety Statistics

  • Data on Assaults: According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 41% of female real estate professionals reported feeling unsafe on the job at some point in 2022, with nearly 5% reporting physical assaults. This shows the inherent dangers women face, especially when working alone in unfamiliar or isolated environments.
  • Survey of Property Managers: A survey by Property Week in the UK revealed that 63% of female property managers have faced some form of harassment from tenants, contractors, or colleagues.

Women working in the property sector face significant safety challenges, both in terms of how they are treated and the physical dangers they encounter. Communication biases often result in women being condescended or even ignored in meetings, particularly in male-dominated industries like property development and construction. Instances of subtle sexism can undermine their professional authority and impact career progression.

Physical safety is a major concern, especially for women working alone in roles like real estate agents or property managers. High-profile cases, such as the 1986 disappearance of Suzy Lamplugh, showcases the risks women face when visiting properties alone. Her case led to the formation of the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, which continues to raise awareness about personal safety in the industry. More recent cases of assaults during property viewings demonstrate that these risks remain prevalent today.

In addition to physical dangers, sexual harassment and discrimination are widespread issues within the industry. Women frequently report experiencing inappropriate behaviour from colleagues, tenants, or contractors, with little support from management. Statistics show a troubling rise in harassment cases, further highlighting the need for action.

Women also face structural barriers to leadership roles, with only 14% of senior positions in real estate are held by women, despite their significant presence in entry-level roles. These obstacles, combined with safety concerns, contribute to the ongoing challenges women encounter in the property sector.

Efforts to improve safety include industry-wide initiatives promoting safety training, lone worker protocols, and technological solutions such as safety apps and personal alarms. However, more work needs to be done to ensure women in the property sector feel both safe and respected.

Jazmyn Trigg
Bunch Partnership Specialist