Insights
Why Speaking More Than One Language Is a Power Move in Property
In property, communication is everything. It builds trust, opens doors, and closes deals. And when you speak more than one language? You’re not just talking, you’re connecting.
In a global, multicultural market like the UK, especially in hubs like London, Manchester, and Birmingham, clients, tenants, and investors come from all corners of the world. Being able to speak their language is more than a soft skill, it’s a strategic advantage. It builds trust, eases the buying or renting process, and gives you a competitive edge in a crowded field.
At Collins Property Recruitment, we know how much weight language carries. Multilingual professionals consistently stand out, and here’s why.
1. Access to a Wider Client Base
The UK property market is as diverse as it gets. London alone is home to people from over 280 ethnic groups and nationalities. If you speak their language, you're already ahead. Whether you're helping an international investor or a first-time buyer from abroad, being able to explain terms in their native tongue makes the process smoother, and makes you stand out.
2. Building Instant Trust
Property decisions are deeply personal. Clients want to feel heard and understood. Speaking their language removes barriers and builds instant rapport. That trust often leads to repeat business and referrals.
3. Smoother Negotiations
Negotiation is an art, and nuance matters. Being bilingual or multilingual gives you a major edge in reading between the lines and spotting subtleties that others might miss. It’s not just about translating, it’s about cultural fluency, which can help seal the deal faster and more effectively.
4. Standing Out to Employers
In a competitive job market, language skills are a differentiator. Agencies and developers increasingly look for multilingual talent to tap into global demand. At Collins Property Recruitment, we see first-hand how speaking another language can fast-track careers, especially in sales, lettings, and client services.
5. Global Opportunities
Fluent in Spanish? Mandarin? Arabic? Suddenly, the world’s your oyster. From the graph below, we can see English and Mandarin are the strongest business languages, together accounting for over 40% of global business influence.
Your language skills could open doors to overseas developments, relocation services, or high-net-worth clients across continents.
So, how do you level up your language skills?
You don’t need to be fluent overnight but consistent effort pays off. Here’s how to get started
:
- Apps like Duolingo, Babbel, or Rosetta Stone make daily practice easy and bite-sized.
- Podcasts and YouTube channels in your target language help train your ear while you commute or exercise.
- Language exchange meetups (in person or online) let you practise speaking with native speakers and learn real-life vocabulary you’ll actually use.
- Take a short course. Many local colleges and online platforms offer evening or weekend lessons tailored to busy professionals.
- Use it at work. Got a colleague or client who speaks the language? Try a few phrases. Confidence builds fast through repetition.
Final Word
In today’s market, speaking another language isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a serious business advantage. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up, your language skills could be the key to unlocking new opportunities in property.
Looking to bring your multilingual talent into a new role? Get in touch, we speak your language. Email us at info@collinspropertyrecruitment.com or give us a call on 020 7435 0309.
