Report Summary
Overall, global real estate salaries have seen a modest increase, with the average salary reaching $79,410 (USD), a 4.0% rise compared to the previous year.
Approximately two-thirds of employees globally received a pay raise. The rate of increase varies across regions, with the U.K. experiencing a significant year-on-year rise in salary with an average 6.7% uplift, following the lowest increase back in 2023-2024 (0.4%). The U.S. and the Asia-Pacific saw an average uplift of 6.6%, Europe at 8.1%, South Africa with 8.9%, and the Middle East region seeing the most significant average uplift of 11.2%.
Annual pay reviews or cost of living/inflation adjustments are the most common reasons for salary increases. For annual pay reviews, the average salary increase was 6.1%, promotions saw an uplift of 12.8%, and moving jobs resulted in an average 14.4% increase.
Concerns about the cost of living and inflation have led to a notable proportion of employees (20.5%) receiving pay increases as a cost of living/inflation adjustment. This figure represents an increase from 16% the previous year. The global inflation rate in 2024 was 5.8%, and is expected to decline to 4.3% in 2025 (Statista). Of those surveyed in real estate who cited that their pay was increased to account for the cost of living/inflation, the average pay rise was 4.4%, and for annual pay reviews, it was 6.1%. Combined, the average increase is 5.7% in line with global inflation. This suggests that many employers continue to address the impact of inflation on their staff.
The average bonus in real estate stands at $20,000 (USD), with those in the U.S. awarded the highest average bonus of $38,000, followed by the Middle East with $26,950, Europe $25,880, Asia-Pacific with $21,940, and the U.K. with $18,775.
Work-life balance continues to outrank salary level as the most important factor in a role. Three-quarters of employees in real estate are offered some level of flexibility in the location and/or hours they can work. However, there is a slight increase in the number of days organisations are mandating a return to the office. Despite this, 76% say they have some level of flexibility in their workplace, including flexible hours and where they can work.
In addition to salary trends, benefits, and working patterns, this year’s survey also identifies the key soft skills and qualities employers are prioritising when hiring new employees. Critical thinking and problem-solving are the most sought-after qualities globally, with 60% of employers citing these as a top priority. Other highly valued soft skills include teamwork and collaboration (54%), self-motivation (49%), and communication skills (45%). The importance of critical thinking/problem-solving is particularly pronounced in the U.S., with 76% of employers prioritising it. While teamwork, collaboration, and communication are highly valued across the globe, commercial acumen, emotional intelligence, and adaptability are also important for hiring managers.
Globally, confidence in real estate is on an upward trajectory. After a subdued 2024, this year sees renewed confidence, with 57% confident in the primary asset class they work with. Leading the charge, saying they are confident or very confident this year are those that work with data centres (83%), industrial/logistics/IOS (69%), and infrastructure (68%).
