The real estate industry is huge, and we mean really huge. Property markets drive the economy, create communities, and shape the world we live in. But despite this, many young people (and even parents or teachers) aren’t quite sure what jobs actually exist in the industry.

That’s where the myths creep in, and long-held misconceptions develop. Let’s set the record straight and bust some of the most common misconceptions about getting into real estate.

Myth 1: “Real estate is just about selling houses or building them”

Lots of people immediately think of estate agents or construction workers when you mention property. And yes, they’re important parts of the industry. But real estate is so much broader.

For example, there are many different types of surveyors and planners, each with their own specialism:

• Commercial Surveyor – works with offices, shops, warehouses and helps clients buy, sell, lease, and manage property
• Residential Surveyor – assesses houses and flats, helping people understand a home’s value and condition
• Town Planner – shapes how land is used, making sure towns and cities grow in a sustainable and fair way
• Rural Surveyor – manages land and estates in the countryside, often working with farmers or environmental projects
• Building Surveyor – inspects buildings and makes sure they’re safe, efficient, and well maintained
• Quantity Surveyor (QS) – keeps construction projects on budget and on time

…and that’s just the start. There are also roles in sustainability, investment, project management, energy, urban design, and much more.

Myth 2: “Real estate isn’t people-focused”

Actually, it’s all about people. Deals don’t get done without relationships.

Real estate is a very sociable career. You’ll meet clients, colleagues, investors, planners, architects, and many others. Building trust, communicating well, and working together is what makes the industry tick. Yes, firms compete with each other, but they also collaborate to make projects happen.

Myth 3: “My parents don’t think it’s a proper profession”

We hear this a lot. Some parents see jobs like Law or Medicine as a ”proper profession” which leads some to pursue these careers despite a lack of genuine passion. But the truth is, real estate is a highly respected profession.

Here’s why:

• It’s regulated by professional bodies like RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) and RTPI (Royal Town Planning Institute)
• To qualify, you need an accredited degree or apprenticeship, plus at least two years of structured training
• At the end, you sit an assessment (APC or L-APC), and once you pass, you become a Chartered professional
• Chartered status means you can add letters like MRICS or MRTPI after your name, and your earning potential grows as your career progresses
  
  

So yes, it’s a “proper profession”, with structure, recognition, and respect!

Myth 4: “You can’t study real estate at uni”

You definitely can. In fact, there are lots of university courses in the UK that are RICS or RTPI accredited (meaning officially recognised by the professional bodies).

Examples include:

• BSc Real Estate
• BSc Real Estate Management
• BSc Real Estate Finance & Investment
• BSc Planning & Development
• BSc Planning & Urban Design
• BSc Building Surveying
• BSc Quantity Surveying
• BSc Construction Project Management
  
  

And if full-time uni isn’t for you, there are also degree apprenticeships. These let you study part-time, earn a salary, and train on the job. The bonus? Your employer pays for your degree and training, and you still end up becoming a Chartered Surveyor at the end. You can read more from us about apprenticeships here.

Final Thought

Real estate isn’t just bricks and mortar. It’s about people, places, innovation, and opportunity. Whether you’re interested in cities, the countryside, sustainability, finance, design, or development, there’s a pathway for you.

So the next time you hear one of these myths, you’ll know: the truth is, real estate is one of the most dynamic, people-focused, and rewarding careers out there.

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