The Real Impact of Losing Your PA or EA
High-performing PAs and EAs are the operational engine behind successful property firms, and losing one costs far more than hiring one.
In property, speed wins:
- Clients expect fast responses.
- Paperwork must move without delay.
- Deals fall apart from a single bottleneck.
Behind many of the sector’s most productive directors is the person who keeps their world running smoothly: an exceptional Personal Assistant or Executive Assistant.
Across the UK property market, these professionals are moving faster than firms can replace them and the commercial impact of that gap is far higher than many directors realise.
When firms hire well, retain well and partner with a specialist recruiter who truly understands property, the difference is transformational.
The true cost of losing a PA or EA
Replacing a high-performing assistant is not just filling a vacancy, it disrupts the way the business operates.
When a PA or EA leaves, firms feel it immediately:
- Slower client communication.
- Delayed completions and transactions.
- Leadership dragged back into admin.
- Deadlines slip.
- Stress rises.
- Deals lose momentum.
Industry estimates show the real cost of replacing a strong PA or EA can reach twice their salary once lost productivity, onboarding, training and disruption are factored in.
By the time the issue becomes visible, revenue has often already been affected.
The bigger risk: Trying to operate without a PA or EA
Some firms delay replacing an assistant, especially in quieter markets.
In reality, that decision is usually more expensive.
Without a PA or EA:
- Directors switch from dealmaking to admin.
- Small tasks block big decisions.
- Clients wait longer for answers.
- Compliance piles up.
- Deal flow slows.
- Burnout risk increases.
Not replacing an assistant doesn’t save money, it hides the cost in lost opportunities and frustrated clients.
What the best property PAs and EAs actually do
Their impact goes far beyond travel bookings, accounts or Outlook calendars.
Top PAs and EAs in property:
- Coordinate client and investor communication.
- Manage transaction timelines and due diligence.
- Support compliance and documentation.
- Keep projects, teams and third parties aligned.
- Protect director time so leadership stays client-facing.
- Maintain culture and structure.
- Hold institutional knowledge no spreadsheet can replace.
They know:
- Who needs what.
- Which deadlines matter.
- Where deals get stuck.
- What keeps clients confident.
Case Study: The Harkalm Group
For more than a decade, Collins Property Recruitment has partnered with The Harkalm Group to build a high-performing support function across administration, finance, research and marketing.
Every support vacancy has been filled through this partnership.
And the outcome is almost unheard of in property recruitment:
- 100% retention since 2013.
- Every single support hire (9 hires) placed through Collins Property Recruitment.
- Multiple internal promotions.
- Long-term recruitment costs significantly reduced.
- A stable support backbone protecting leadership time.
Adam Harvey Co-Founder and CEO said:
“Our journey with Emma and Collins Property Recruitment has been nothing short of transformational. Her understanding of our culture and long-term vision has helped us build a team that truly grows with the business. It’s been a partnership built on trust and consistency.”
Marie-Helene Cuckow, who progressed from Team Administrator to Chief of Staff, says:
“Emma understood my ambitions and the needs of the business. Over 10 years on, I’m still grateful for the opportunity.”
How Collins Property Recruitment supports you
Our dedicated Business Support Division specialises in property-specific PAs, EAs and administrative professionals.
We:
- Deliver shortlists fast.
- Ensure cultural and sector fit.
- Support onboarding.
- Minimise downtime.
Every candidate we present understands the pace, pressure and documentation demands of property.
Final thought for property firms
Great leadership depends on great support.If directors are going to focus on growth, transactions and clients, they need strong PAs and EAs behind them.
The most successful property firms invest in their support teams and consistently outperform those who don’t.
If you need salary benchmarking or a confidential replacement, our team can help immediately. Get in touch with our dedicated Business Support Recruitment Division:
Danielle Lessell: Recruitment Partner Danielle’s 20+ years in Recruitment includes roles at Adecco as Consultant and TotalJobs as Account Director.
Emma Conway: Recruitment Partner Emma’s 20+ years in Recruitment include Senior Recruiter at Reed and leading in-house recruitment for a top financial services firm.
Samantha Boyling: Recruitment Partner With over 21 years in recruitment, Sammy is a 360 recruiter, specialising in finance, HR, and sales with a consultative approach tailored to client needs.
At Collins Property Recruitment, we help you not only attract but win over the very best in the business. From shaping your employer brand to streamlining your interview process, we know what it takes to turn interviews into job offers that stick.
Email us at info@collinspropertyrecruitment.com or give us a call on 020 7435 0309.
Collins Property Recruitment is a business with a purpose: to enable talent and businesses to meet and do great things together. We make this happen through an unrivalled network, a values-led, consultative approach and a hard-earned reputation as the go-to recruiter in property.
