UK real estate companies spend an average of nine months to find a senior leader, research from acquisition firm Madison Lincoln has found.
That means businesses only just beginning a process in Q2 2025 won’t see leadership boots on the ground until early 2026.
Tom McNally, managing director of Madison Lincoln, said: “This long lag is quietly paralysing the sector.
“Leadership gaps are stretching teams thin, boards are stalling on strategy, and pressure is building behind the scenes.
“Most don’t realise that if you’re starting to think about hiring now, you’re already late.”
According to Madison Lincoln markets are affecting decision making, with almost all organisations and candidates being cautious, wary of instability, with “no appetite for risk”.
The result of this, McNally said, is an anaemic hiring market that’s not just slowing but damaging companies’ ability to stay competitive – as good talent is slipping through companies’ fingers.
