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My journey into the property industry started in residential sales, where I worked as a Sales Negotiator for three years. This experience gave me a solid foundation in property transactions, client negotiations, and market dynamics. However, I was increasingly drawn to the commercial side of the industry, intrigued by its complexity, the strategic nature of transactions and the impact commercial property has on businesses and the wider economy.

In September 2018, I took the next step in my career by joining CBRE on a degree apprenticeship. This was a game-changer, allowing me to gain hands-on experience while working towards becoming a Chartered Surveyor. During my time at CBRE, I worked across various areas of commercial property, deepening my knowledge of leasing, acquisitions, disposals, and property investment.

By September 2024, I had progressed to a Senior Surveyor role at GJS Dillon, where I now specialise in commercial agency and investment, focusing on acquisitions and disposals across Worcestershire and the West Midlands. Having become a Commercial Chartered Surveyor, my focus is on providing strategic advice to landlords, investors, and occupiers, helping them navigate the market and maximize their property assets.

Daily routine:

Morning

• Client consultations – I start my day by engaging with clients, whether they’re investors looking to expand their portfolios or business owners searching for the right premises. Understanding their objectives is key to delivering the best advice.
• Market analysis – Keeping up-to-date with the latest trends, yields, and investor sentiment is crucial in commercial property. I review data, recent transactions, and demand levels to advise clients effectively.
• Documentation & deal progression– Ensuring transactions progress smoothly by liaising with solicitors, preparing reports, and finalising agreements.

Afternoon

• Site visits & inspections – Whether assessing a potential investment opportunity, inspecting a property for lease or preparing a market appraisal, being on-site provides the best insight.
• Negotiations – A large part of my role involves negotiating lease terms, sale agreements and investment transactions on behalf of clients. Maximising value for landlords, investors and occupiers is always the goal.
• Industry engagement & development – Staying ahead in commercial property requires ongoing learning. I attend networking events, read market reports and keep up with industry developments.

What I enjoy about the job:

• Market dynamics – The commercial property sector is constantly evolving, making it a challenging yet exciting space to work in.
• Working with investors & business owners – Helping clients secure the right investment or business premises is rewarding, especially when seeing how these properties contribute to their success.
• Negotiation & deal-making – Every transaction is unique and structuring deals that work for all parties is something I thrive on.

Challenges in the industry:

• Market cycles & economic shifts – Commercial property investment is heavily influenced by wider economic factors, meaning adaptability is key.
• Regulatory & legal complexity – Commercial leases and investment transactions come with intricate legal frameworks, requiring careful navigation.
• Extended Timelines – Deals can sometimes take months to complete, requiring patience and strategic planning.

Having transitioned from residential property into commercial agency and investment, my career as a Commercial Chartered Surveyor has been both fulfilling and fast-moving. With each deal, I gain new insights, build stronger client relationships and help shape the commercial property landscape in my region.

Why Consider a Career in Commercial Property?

For anyone who enjoys a dynamic, varied career where you can combine technical expertise, negotiation, and client engagement, commercial property is an excellent choice. The industry offers long-term career progression, opportunities to specialise, and the chance to work on projects that have a real impact on communities and businesses. If you would like to learn more about current career opportunities we have available at GJS Dillon, please visit Join the GJS Dillon team – GJS Dillon

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