On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the significant strides made by women in the traditionally male-dominated property sector. The latest statistics from the English Housing Survey suggest a promising rise in female landlords, who now represent 50% of the market. Despite this progress, challenges such as a widening gender pay gap and safety concerns persist, underscoring the need for continued advocacy and change.

Victoria Valentine’s journey to success

In our feature, Victoria Valentine, an industry speaker and landlord advisor at housing law specialist, Landlord Action, shares her inspiring story of her transition from a disillusioned landlord to a successful estate agency owner. With a focus on transparency and relationship building, her all-female team challenges industry norms and showcases the potential of women in property management.

The impact of all-female teams

Valentine’s agency, known for its strong all-female team, highlights both the empowering and challenging aspects of navigating a male-dominated industry.

Victoria shares, “Interviews were more like coffee with a friend, and a vibrant personality was what I was looking for. This is what was missing when I’d walked into other agencies. Usually, I was passed a property brochure that I could have downloaded myself, then shown the door. As a woman, I wasn’t seen as the decision-maker and on several occasions, I’d been told as much.”

Her story reflects a broader trend where women are progressively assuming more management roles in real estate, albeit within a structure where the majority of management positions are still occupied by men.

A push for inclusivity and networking

The rise of women-only property networking events marks a shift towards inclusivity, fostering environments where business relationships can flourish organically.

“When I first opened the business, the majority of serious networking events were predominantly men-in-suits. Most women attending were promoting products like cupcakes, scarves or handmade jewellery - lovely in their own right, but a stark contrast to the corporate real estate world I was navigating.” – Victoria Valentine

These platforms not only support professional growth but also amplify women's voices in the sector.

“These women didn’t just work in the business, similar to myself, they lived and breathed their business. They were passionate, seemingly working harder for the right to be respected in our chosen industries, and had thicker skin, fiercer determination and that girl-power camaraderie.” – Victoria Valentine

Celebrating and supporting women in property

With half of UK landlords being women, the property industry is clearly evolving. Through mentorship, networking, and education, women in property are reshaping the industry standards, advocating for a more inclusive and successful sector.

For more insights and the full story of Victoria Valentine’s journey, visit our partner, Total Landlord’s, Knowledge centre: International Women’s Day: Breaking barriers and building success.