UK real estate firms can now spend nine months recruiting for senior roles, with one headhunter describing the issue as a “time bomb” for the sector.
Data from executive search firm Madison Lincoln on the time between initiating a search to having a senior leader in role suggests that businesses beginning a process this quarter won’t have the role filled and operational until early 2026.
“This long lag is quietly paralysing the sector,” said Madison Lincoln managing director Tom McNally. “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.”
McNally said choppy markets mean organisations and candidates are cautious, wary of instability and have “no appetite for risk”. The is an “anaemic” hiring market damaging companies’ ability to stay competitive.
“People think they’re playing it safe by waiting,” McNally said. “What’s actually happening is the talent they’ll need next year is slipping through their fingers now.”
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