Census data reveals equality and growth in real estate profession

THE real estate profession is booming in Queensland, growing more than 25 per cent since 2011 and it remains an equal opportunity profession, with women making up about 58 per cent of all workers in the property operators and real estate services category, according to recently released Census data.

REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said the Census data, a count of employed people on Census night, aligned with expectations considering how well the market is performing lately.

"We know that the profession grows when the market is performing well and over the past five years the Queensland real estate market has delivered steady, sustainable growth, particularly in the southeast corner," she said.

"It’s a great job for communicators and generally speaking, women are considered to be great communicators.

"It’s a career that can fit around the commitments of kids and family and this has proven especially attractive to women," she said.

"Equally, this is a career that is very well suited to men, who find that it is a career that rewards the effort that is put in – basically it’s a great career choice for both men and women!" she said.

According to Census data released today (October 23, 2017), Greater Brisbane is home to about 52 per cent of the state’s property operators and real estate services professionals. The number has grown from 12,919 in 2011 to 17,740 in 2016, representing around 37 per cent growth.

Women make up about 56 per cent in both 2016 and in 2011.

The Gold Coast market has grown about 36 per cent since 2011, with real estate practitioners growing from 4656 in 2011 to 6340 in 2016. About 56 per cent are women in 2016 and also in 2011.

The Sunshine Coast SD has grown around 22 per cent since 2011, growing from 2272 to 2775 real estate professionals in 2016. The percentage of those who are women has remained steady at about 59 per cent.

Ms Mercorella said real estate was a great career choice for someone who was looking to take a new direction.

"As the state’s leading training provider, we meet many people at every different life stage looking to embrace a new career – and we know that real estate fits the bill perfectly for hundreds of our students every year as they go on to enjoy successful careers in real estate," she said.