Voices in Property - Matt Staton

Welcome to our quick-fire spotlight on industry leaders and entrepreneurs in Property.

In this edition, Matt Staton, Head of Residential at REM - Real Estate Management

shares personal insights and experiences with anyone who may be currently working in or aspiring to join the London property industry.

What are you most proud of in your career?

Probably my current role at Real Estate Management (UK) Limited (REM). Day to day, I have the privilege of stewarding the smooth running of some of London’s most outstanding residential assets on behalf of their owners. Helping to lead one of the capital’s most exclusive BTR developments, Shard Place, brings together my broader lettings background and experience across both sides of estate agency, and it genuinely feels like home. I’m also proud of guiding my team at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices through the challenges of Covid, growing turnover and market share at a time when we couldn’t even be in the same room.

First property job and how you got it?

Lettings Negotiator at Marsh & Parsons. I wanted a role where effort directly translated into results, and a friend suggested estate agency. I went through the usual recruiter process and was fortunate to receive a couple of offers, but Marsh & Parsons, at its prime under the leadership of Peter Rollings, felt like the right place to start. I joined the Fulham office and never looked back.

Best advice for preparing for an interview?

Be yourself and be authentic. Don’t try to present what you think the interviewer wants to see. Show your capability, be impressive, but never pretend to be someone you’re not. That approach always backfires, either you won’t be hired because you didn’t feel genuine, or worse, you are hired for a version of yourself that isn’t real.

What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

Don’t sweat the small stuff. Stay true to yourself and work harder than anyone else. No matter how tough something feels at the start, nothing is insurmountable. Always stay curious, keep learning, and never be afraid to ask questions.

Which leader, entrepreneur, founder, or CEO inspires you?

Warren Buffett. Beyond my Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices background, I’ve always admired Buffett’s long-term, rational approach — sticking to sound principles, avoiding gimmicks, and not being swayed by short-term trends. There’s no better example of disciplined, sensible leadership.

Your best deal?

Not the largest, but everyone always remembers their first 'big' deal. For me, it was a 4,000 sq. ft. house on Parsons Green itself, one of just eight houses on the green, making it incredibly rare. At 24, I found myself negotiating with a seasoned private equity managing director who wanted the property for their family. After weeks of negotiation and a Christmas Eve final viewing, the deal concluded successfully for the Landlord, Tenant, and Agent alike. More recently, one that stands out is the letting of a two-bedroom penthouse at Shard Place, a premium product with exceptional views of the river, to a high-profile professional within days of coming to market. 

What’s your favourite restaurant?

I'm big on views and good quality ingredients, so a weekend brunch at Aqua Shard is hard to beat. 

Apple or Android?

Apple. Simplicity is often underestimated.

Find out more about REM Real Estate Management here and connect with Matt Staton here.

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