The Urban Land Institute Singapore, National University of Singapore and Kerry Consulting have launched The Real Estate Talent Insights Survey 2025, a new survey developed to capture the perspectives of employers in Singapore’s real estate market.

The survey canvassed the perspectives of more than 100 companies across the real estate industry to discover what they are looking for in new hires, which skills are important and what challenges they face in hiring and retaining staff.

The report identifies six key trends:

1. Soft skills take centre stage for fresh graduates

Employers are increasingly valuing soft skills over technical competencies when hiring fresh graduates. Analytical thinking, as well as communication and presentation skills were rated higher than market knowledge and financial modelling skills.

2. Looking beyond traditional qualifications

Real estate employers are broadening their criteria for educational qualifications, with only 14% strongly preferring candidates with a real estate background. Nearly half of employers are open to candidates from adjacent fields such as business management and urban planning. This trend reflects a recognition that transferable skills and genuine interest in the sector can be more valuable than real estate credentials.

3. The Need for Multi-Disciplinary Skills

For experienced hires, the survey found a noticeable gap in multi-disciplinary capabilities. Employers are seeking professionals who can integrate knowledge across various domains and adapt to changing roles.

4. Cautious Optimism in Hiring Sentiment

Approximately one-third of organizations are proceeding with planned hires, while others are limiting recruitment to critical roles or pausing altogether. However, only 14% anticipate headcount reductions.

5. Addressing Attrition Challenges

Talent retention remains a significant challenge in Singapore real estate, with the primary driver being the lack of clear career progression. Employers are focusing on developing structured career pathways, internal mobility, and mentorship programs to enhance engagement and satisfaction.

6. Future hiring focus on thriving sectors

Looking ahead, real estate employers are prioritizing hires in specific asset classes and functional roles. The living sector, data centres, and core functions like Investment and Asset Management are at the forefront of hiring strategies.

To read the full Real Estate Talent Insights Survey 2025 click this link .

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