At a Glance
- Tasks: Build relationships, investigate deals, and visit properties in a dynamic surveying role.
- Company: Join Savills, a leading property consultancy with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 25 days leave, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Excellent training and career development opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience and kickstart your career in surveying with real impact.
- Qualifications: Ideal for students studying a cognate degree with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 26500 - 29000 £ per year.
Role title: Sandwich Placement Student - Surveying (Commercial, Residential and Development) (September 2027 start)
Salary: £29,000 / £26,500 (dependent on location and the Cost of Living)
Locations: London, Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Edinburgh
DAY TO DAY WORK
A typical day would include building strong relationships and working through deals. This includes calling other agents, investigating comparable evidence, meeting with clients, and visiting properties. It is a truly varied role and no day is the same.
About this role:
The Savills Sandwich Placement Programme provides students the opportunity to gain a thorough understanding of the industry, market and Savills teams and clients, contributing towards your APC experience (if studying a cognate degree). Savills offers three routes as a sandwich placement student which are either Commercial, Residential or Development.
London Sandwich Placement Roles:
- Rating – Business rates are a tax on commercial property that affects businesses across all sectors and are a core valuation discipline within surveying. Savills' nationally recognised Rating team offers a one-year placement based at Finsbury Circus House in the City of London. Working alongside Directors and RICS-qualified surveyors, you will gain hands-on experience inspecting and valuing commercial property, analysing market evidence, advising clients and supporting business rates appeals. Students who perform well during their placement are strongly positioned for future graduate opportunities.
- Development Viability – Our team specialises in the evaluation of financial viability for real estate projects, working alongside a range of private and public sector clients in order to navigate planning requirements, optimise land value, and provide strategic advice to ensure projects can be successfully delivered. The team also provides affordable housing consultancy, valuation and agency related services. We typically advise on over 100 projects annually with a collective GDV measurable in £bns.
- Residential Valuation – click for more info.
- Central London Retail – click to hear about the team, read more about the division and the sector.
- Residential Management – click for more info.
- Residential Property Management – click for more info.
- Retail Property Management – click to hear from the team.
- Business Space Property Management – click to hear from a sandwich student and a director.
- Lease Consultancy – Our Lease Consultancy team provides strategic advice to landlords and occupiers across a wide range of commercial property sectors, helping clients maximise value and manage occupational costs throughout the lease lifecycle. Working alongside Directors, you will gain hands-on experience in rent reviews, lease renewals, lease restructures, lease regears and break option advice. The team represents some of the UK's leading landlords, investors and occupiers, combining market knowledge, valuation expertise and negotiation skills to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
Regional Sandwich Placement Roles:
- Birmingham - Rating – click for more info.
- Birmingham - Rotation (various teams) – click to hear from a graduate and a director.
- Bristol – Retail – click to hear from an associate director.
- Leeds – Housing Valuation – The team undertake valuations of portfolios of social housing properties across the UK. Your role will involve modelling valuations, attending client meetings and events, carrying out inspections around the country and report writing.
- Manchester – Rotation (various teams) – click to hear from a sandwich student.
- Newcastle – Development – click to hear from a surveyor and a director.
- Edinburgh – Scotland Investment – click for more info.
The assessment process for this role:
- Online Application
- CV and Question – Applications close at 11.59pm on 19th October 2026
- Online Assessment – SHL (will be sent on application completion and will need to be completed by 12pm on 20th October 2026)
- Assessment Centre – 26th November 2026 (London, Margaret Street)
- Panel Interview – 1st December 2026
How you’ll make an impact:
- High attention to detail, well organised and a proactive approach
- Ability to empower those around them
- Strong verbal, numerical and report writing skills
- A team player with leadership potential
- Ability to listen to others and collaborate effectively
- Strategic approach to problem solving
- Highly motivated
- Ability to challenge in a positive way
- Computer literate
Key skills:
- Decision Making
- Collaboration
- Building Relationships
- Planning and Organising
- Adaptability
- Resilience
Future Talent Objectives:
- Technical & Professional Knowledge - Demonstrate a strong foundational knowledge and understanding of the profession you are training within, the qualification you are completing, and the role you are undertaking.
- Business Awareness – Asks good relevant questions, demonstrating curiosity and enthusiasm to know about the business.
- Work Quality – Accurately completes tasks on time, with guidance from team members where required.
- Time Management – Maintain good time keeping, both personally and professionally.
- Effective Communication – Begin building effective working relationships with colleagues across the team and wider business.
Benefits:
- 1 year contract
- Company mobile phone and Laptop
- 25 days annual leave
- Employee discounts
- Sports activities (Hockey, Netball, Skiing, Rugby, Football, Cricket, Badminton)
- Employee Assistance Programme – A 24 hour service available to all staff and completely confidential
Training:
Our training and development programme is highly regarded as one of the best in the property industry, and is geared towards enabling our graduates to reach their full potential.
Career Development:
Once you've successfully passed your APC and become a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), you'll continue to receive training and career development opportunities.
Find your place to thrive:
Savills is an organisation full of extraordinary individuals. Brilliant people at the forefront of their specialisms, eager to drive progress for themselves, their colleagues and our business as part of a truly inclusive culture.
Right to work in the UK and employment offer:
Any employment offer made is contingent on you obtaining and maintaining the right to work and reside legally in the UK.
2027 Savills Sandwich Placement - Surveying in London employer: Savills Future Talent
Savills is an exceptional employer, offering a permanent contract for all graduates and a comprehensive training programme that is highly regarded in the property industry. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have access to numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth, alongside a supportive and inclusive work culture that values individualism and collaboration. Located in vibrant areas such as London, Salisbury, Cirencester, and Bury St Edmunds, Savills provides a dynamic environment where you can thrive and make a meaningful impact in the infrastructure sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 2027 Savills Sandwich Placement - Surveying in London
✨Leverage University Connections
We all know that universities have a ton of connections in the architecture world. Don't hesitate to tap into your career services or attend any networking events they host. Alumni from your school can also be a real goldmine for placements, so reach out and see if they can help you get a foot in the door at firms like Savills Future Talent.
✨Get Involved in Local Design Competitions
Joining local architecture competitions is a great way to showcase your skills while meeting industry professionals. Not only can you gain valuable experience, but winning or even just participating can make your application stand out when you're applying for placements. Check if Savills Future Talent sponsors or participates in any events!
✨Show Off Your Design Projects Online
Build an online portfolio that highlights your best designs and projects. Platforms like Behance or personal websites are perfect for this. Make sure to link your portfolio in your application or share it during discussions, so firms like Savills Future Talent can easily see what you bring to the table.
✨Research and Tailor Your Approach
Before you approach firms, dive deep into their past projects, values, and design philosophy. Tailor your conversations and applications based on what interests you about them. This not only shows genuine interest but also helps you align your skills with what Savills Future Talent is looking for in a placement.
We think you need these skills to ace 2027 Savills Sandwich Placement - Surveying in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Design:When applying for an architecture placement at Savills Future Talent, let your love for design shine through! Use your cover letter to narrate your journey in architecture—mention any inspiring projects, competitions, or experiences that have fuelled your passion. This will help us see your commitment to the field.
Highlight Relevant Academic Projects:In the architecture world, your portfolio is a big deal! Make sure it showcases not just completed projects but also relevant academic work. Include sketches, models, and any software you’ve mastered, like AutoCAD or Revit. This gives us a glimpse of your skills and thought process!
Tailor Your CV to Architecture Standards:Architecture CVs should be specific and elegant. Use a clear layout with sections for education, skills, and experience. Make sure to include any design software you’re proficient in, presentation skills, and even group projects you were involved in—these are super relevant for a placement at Savills Future Talent.
Express Your Willingness to Learn:Since this is a placement, we’re looking for eager minds ready to absorb knowledge. In your cover letter, convey your openness to learning from experienced team members and how you aim to apply that knowledge practically at Savills Future Talent. We love candidates who are keen to grow!
How to prepare for a job interview at Savills Future Talent
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
Bring along a robust portfolio that showcases your best architectural designs and projects. Make sure it highlights your thought process and execution—interviewers love to hear about your design rationale and how you've tackled challenges in your projects. It's a brilliant way to demonstrate your creativity and technical skills!
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions about architectural principles, materials, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of building codes or environmental design practices. This shows you've got the technical know-how needed for the role and you're ready to dive into the work at Savills Future Talent.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Architecture
As this is a placement, your potential and motivation are key! Share your enthusiasm for architecture and the design process. Talk about what inspired you to pursue this field and any previous projects you've worked on, even if they are from your studies—this can help convey that you've got the passion to thrive in this environment!
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Craft questions that reflect your genuine interest in the projects at Savills Future Talent. For instance, ask about the firm's design philosophy or the types of projects they currently have on the go. This not only shows you've done your homework but also helps you understand if the company aligns with your career goals.
