Property

How to get a job at Savills

20 real interview questions, insider tips on the hiring process, and what Savills actually looks for. Most people read about it. Very few practise for it.

London, UK 3,500+ 3.9/5/5 Glassdoor
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About Savills

Company overview

Savills is an independent global real estate adviser with a distinguished heritage and strong UK market presence. The firm provides services across investment, development, occupier solutions, and asset management across all property types.

Based in London with offices throughout the UK and internationally, Savills advises on complex transactions, portfolio strategies, and long-term real estate solutions. The firm is known for deep market knowledge, relationship-driven approach, and thought leadership.

Savills maintains its independence as a partnership and is committed to delivering exceptional client service and developing its professional team.

Inside the company

Culture & values at Savills

Savills values client relationships, professional expertise, and business success. The firm fosters a partnership culture where professionals have ownership and opportunity. They invest in people development, mentoring, and specialist expertise development.

The firm emphasises integrity, market knowledge, and long-term thinking. They are committed to supporting their professionals to build successful and rewarding careers.

Why people want to work here

Work for a prestigious independent firm; develop specialist market expertise; structured training towards RICS qualification; strong client relationships and transaction opportunities; clear partnership pathway; competitive compensation and profit-sharing for partners.

What to expect

Working at Savills

The working environment at Savills reflects the property sector — structured but dynamic, with a mix of planned project work and responsive tasks. Most roles involve regular collaboration with colleagues across different teams and functions, with clear expectations for deliverables and timelines. Flexible and hybrid working arrangements are increasingly common, and the organisation recognises that different roles require different working patterns.

As a 3,500+-person organisation, Savills sits at a size where you can genuinely know people across different departments. Teams tend to be close-knit, and there's a real sense of shared purpose. You'll likely have more visibility with senior leadership than you would at a larger employer, which means your contributions are noticed and your ideas can reach decision-makers more quickly.

The culture at Savills shapes how the day feels beyond just the work itself. Colleagues describe the environment as one that values Market Expertise and Client Relationship Skills. Lunch breaks, team socials, and informal catch-ups are part of the rhythm — Savills recognises that building relationships across the organisation is as important as the deliverables themselves. Most employees report that the people are one of the best things about working here, and that the team dynamic makes challenging work feel manageable.

The hiring journey

Savills interview process

Savills' recruitment process focuses on identifying talented professionals who can build client relationships and demonstrate market knowledge. The process includes assessments and interviews with experienced surveyors.

1

Application & Screening

1-2 weeks

CV and application form reviewed. Initial discussion with recruiter about motivations and background

2

Market Knowledge Test

1 week

Assessment of understanding of property markets, valuation concepts, and commercial awareness

3

Telephone Interview

30-45 minutes

Initial interview covering background, motivation, and technical knowledge with senior surveyor or team leader

4

In-Person Interview

45-60 minutes

Meeting with partner or senior manager covering market knowledge, client service approach, and cultural fit

5

Final Discussions

Varies

May include further discussions about team dynamics and specific office requirements

Recruitment ongoing with intake points throughout the year. Application-to-offer typically 4-6 weeks.

Insider tips

Research Savills' market position and recent transaction activity; demonstrate specific knowledge of local property markets; show genuine interest in building client relationships; prepare examples of commercial awareness and problem-solving.

Stand out from the crowd

What Savills looks for

Market Expertise

Deep understanding of local and national property markets. Knowledge of rental trends, investment drivers, and market cycles. Ability to interpret market data and provide market context to clients.

Client Relationship Skills

Genuine ability to build and maintain client relationships. Good listening skills, empathy, and commitment to understanding client needs. Ability to provide trusted advice and support decision-making.

Professional Knowledge

Understanding of valuation methodologies, lease structures, and investment concepts. Demonstrated knowledge of surveying practice and commitment to professional standards.

Business Development Mindset

Willingness to build a client base and grow business. Comfort with networking and relationship-building. Understanding that client satisfaction drives referrals and business success.

Communication Excellence

Strong ability to communicate with diverse audiences from experienced investors to corporate occupiers. Clear presentation skills and ability to translate technical concepts for non-specialists.

Real questions asked

Savills interview questions

20 questions sourced from real Savills candidates. Practise answering them out loud before your interview.

  • 1Tell us about a recent property market development that interests you
  • 2Why Savills specifically as an independent firm?
  • 3Describe your understanding of the local property market in our office location
  • 4How would you go about building a client base in property advisory?
  • 5Tell us about your experience with valuation or property analysis
  • 6What attracted you to property advisory as a career?
  • 7Describe a situation where you've provided advice that made a difference to someone's decision
  • 8How do you stay informed about market trends and developments?

Your career here

Growth & development at Savills

Career progression at Savills follows a relatively clear path for most roles. Promotions typically depend on demonstrating increased responsibility, deeper expertise, and leadership capability — whether that's leading teams, managing clients, or driving technical innovation. The organisation values both specialist depth and the ability to take on broader management responsibilities, so there are usually multiple progression routes available. Don't assume you need to move into management to advance — many property organisations increasingly recognise and reward technical and specialist career paths.

Savills invests in structured learning and development programmes, including access to training courses, conferences, and professional certifications. Many employees report that the L&D budget is generous and genuinely encouraged — not just a line in the benefits package that nobody actually uses. Whether it's technical upskilling, leadership development, or industry certifications, there's real support for continuous learning. While formal mentoring programmes may vary across departments, the culture generally encourages learning from more experienced colleagues. Building relationships with senior team members is one of the most effective ways to accelerate your development — seek out people whose career trajectory you admire and ask them for advice regularly.

For real estate services professionals, Savills offers exposure to projects and challenges that build a strong CV whether you stay long-term or move on after a few years. The skills and experience you gain — particularly around Market Expertise and Client Relationship Skills — are transferable across the property sector and beyond. Internal mobility is possible for strong performers, with opportunities to move between teams, departments, or even locations as your career develops. Many senior leaders at Savills started in entry-level or early-career positions, which speaks to the genuine career development opportunities available.

Compensation

Salary & benefits at Savills

Graduate surveyor: £25,000-£27,000. Senior surveyor: £45,000-£60,000. Associate: £60,000-£80,000.

Notable benefits

Competitive pension scheme
Private health insurance
Life assurance
Travel loan
Professional development support
RICS fees reimbursement
Flexible working options
Parental leave
Enhanced maternity pay
Bonus and profit-sharing for partners

How they hire

What it's like interviewing at Savills

With 3,500+ employees, Savills doesn't hire in massive volumes, which means each vacancy gets focused attention. You're less likely to be processed through an impersonal system — expect more direct interaction with hiring managers earlier in the process. The flip side is that roles may appear less frequently, so when a position opens, move quickly with a strong application.

The interview culture at Savills balances professionalism with personality. They're assessing whether you can do the job and whether you'll fit the team — both matter. Come prepared to demonstrate Market Expertise and Client Relationship Skills through specific examples, but also be ready for more open-ended conversation about your ambitions and what motivates you.

Life at the company

Work-life balance at Savills

Savills offers flexible and hybrid working arrangements for most roles. The specifics vary by team and function — some roles are predominantly remote, others require regular office presence — but the overall direction is towards flexibility. This isn't just policy on paper: employees generally report that managers support flexible working in practice, not just in the handbook.

The overall pace at Savills is shaped by real estate services cycles and business priorities. Most employees report a manageable workload with occasional busy periods tied to project deadlines or seasonal demand. The company increasingly recognises that sustainable performance requires sustainable working patterns, and there's a genuine effort to support employee wellbeing alongside commercial objectives.

Roles they hire for

Popular roles at Savills

Frequently asked questions

What is the partnership structure at Savills?

Savills is an independent partnership owned by its partners. This means that successful professionals can progress to partnership and share in the firm's success. The partnership structure encourages long-term thinking and gives partners incentive to develop business and support junior professionals. This differs from many competitors that are owned by global corporations.

How does Savills support RICS qualification?

Savills strongly supports RICS qualification and funds professional fees and training. The firm provides mentoring from qualified surveyors to support your APC process. RICS qualification is essential for partnership consideration and career progression, and Savills is committed to supporting you through this journey.

What office locations does Savills have in the UK?

Savills has offices throughout the UK including major locations in London, the South East, South West, Midlands, North, Scotland, and Wales. Different offices specialise in different markets and property types. You'll join a local team with expertise in your target market and region.

Does Savills recruit graduates or prefer experienced hires?

Savills recruits both graduates and experienced professionals. Graduate recruits typically have degrees in surveying or related disciplines and join as trainee surveyors. The firm supports graduate development through mentoring, training, and structured exposure to transactions and market experience.

What is Savills' approach to client relationships?

Savills emphasises long-term client relationships and trusted advisory. This means understanding clients' business needs, providing market insights, and supporting strategic decision-making over years or decades. For ambitious professionals who enjoy relationship-building and market knowledge, Savills offers excellent opportunity to develop deep client connections.

Does Savills offer international opportunities?

Yes, Savills operates in many countries and offers international secondment and relocation opportunities for professionals wishing to develop global experience. The firm has a strong network of international offices, and experienced professionals often work on cross-border transactions and multinational client relationships.

What is the work-life balance like at Savills?

Work-life balance at Savills varies by role and team. Most employees report a reasonable workload with flexible working options available for many roles. Like any organisation, there are busier periods, but the overall culture supports sustainable working patterns.

Does Savills sponsor work visas for UK roles?

Visa sponsorship at Savills may be available for specialist roles. Check their careers page or contact their recruitment team directly to confirm whether the specific position you're interested in offers sponsorship. Immigration policy changes can affect eligibility, so verify current requirements with Savills's HR team during the application process.

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