Housing manager

Housing managers are involved in providing and managing people’s homes. They often work for local authorities or housing associations.

Their tasks include dealing with tenancy agreements and breaches; overseeing property exchanges; inspecting properties to check they are in a decent state; assessing people who apply for housing; and providing advice on benefits and welfare. Increasingly, the job can also involve initiating and managing policies to tackle antisocial behaviour.

Did you know?
The Beacontree estate in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham is the largest council estate in the world. More than 25,000 houses were built there between 1921 and 1932.

Facts and Figures

  • Starting salary:

    Around £18,000

  • Senior level salary:

    Top housing managers can earn £50,000 or more

  • Education:

    A career in housing management is open to graduates from any discipline. However, the following subjects are considered particularly relevant: housing; facilities management; land, estate and property management; urban studies; planning; business management; politics; government; public and social administration; economics; sociology, and law.

  • Skills:

    You'll need to be someone who is comfortable dealing with members of the public and have good communication skills. Routes into housing management vary. The emphasis is on personal skills such as customer care and an interest in work with a social value. Training is available as you progress in your career.

  • Likely employer type:

    Housing associations, local authority housing departments and arm’s length management organisations, housing trusts and co-operatives, voluntary organisations

  • Number of professionals:

    The Chartered Institute of Housing has almost 20,000 members working mainly in local authorities, housing associations, arm’s length management organisations and in the private sector in the UK and overseas

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