Working as a Property Manager at Savills means stepping into one of the UK’s most reputable and global real estate advisory firms. This role requires a unique mix of leadership, customer service, compliance knowledge, and asset management skills. As a Property Manager, you’ll oversee the day-to-day operations of commercial or residential properties, ensure tenant satisfaction, manage budgets, coordinate maintenance, and protect the value of the client’s real estate assets.
On average, a Property Manager at Savills earns between £30,000 and £50,000 per year, depending on location, experience, and the type of portfolio managed. With performance bonuses and added benefits, this role is both financially and professionally rewarding.
To help you prepare, here are 20 of the most commonly asked Savills Property Manager interview questions, along with expert answers.
1. Tell me about your experience in property management.
Employers want to see if you’ve worked in a similar role before.
Answer: “I’ve worked in property management for five years, handling residential blocks and mixed-use portfolios. I’ve managed tenant queries, service charge budgets, contractor coordination, and compliance with lease terms and health and safety regulations.”
2. How do you handle difficult tenants or disputes?
Conflict resolution is key.
Answer: “I listen to both sides, maintain professionalism, and refer back to lease agreements and policies. I always aim for a win-win resolution and document every interaction for clarity and legal protection.”
3. What systems or software have you used for property management?
Savills often uses systems like TRAMPS or Qube.
Answer: “I’m proficient with Qube and MRI Horizon. I use them to manage service charges, lease data, tenant records, and property inspections efficiently.”
4. Describe how you manage service charge budgets.
They want to assess your financial skills.
Answer: “I prepare annual budgets based on historical data and anticipated maintenance costs. I work closely with accountants and ensure transparency with tenants, issuing clear breakdowns and timely reconciliations.”
5. How do you stay compliant with health and safety regulations?
Safety is a legal priority.
Answer: “I schedule regular risk assessments, fire safety inspections, and ensure contractors hold valid certifications. I also keep up to date with legislation like the Health and Safety at Work Act and fire regulations.”
6. How would you prioritise tasks on a busy day with multiple urgent issues?
Time management is crucial.
Answer: “I assess based on urgency and risk—anything involving safety or legal compliance comes first. I use task management tools to stay organised and communicate effectively with stakeholders.”
7. What makes you a good fit for Savills?
Demonstrate cultural fit and values.
Answer: “Savills is known for excellence and integrity. I align with that through my attention to detail, customer-focused approach, and strong communication skills. I’m also tech-savvy and proactive in property strategy.”
8. Tell me about a time you improved a property’s performance.
Show impact.
Answer: “At my previous role, I renegotiated supplier contracts and reduced service charge expenditure by 15%, while improving maintenance response times through a new contractor rota system.”
9. How do you manage contractors and ensure quality work?
This tests coordination skills.
Answer: “I vet contractors based on references, insurance, and experience. I create detailed work orders and inspect completed work. Regular performance reviews help maintain standards.”
10. What would you do if a property had a sudden major issue like flooding?
Crisis management.
Answer: “I’d act immediately to ensure safety, contact emergency services, inform tenants, and initiate insurance processes. I’d follow up with a full incident report and preventive steps for the future.”
11. How do you handle arrears and non-paying tenants?
They want to assess your approach to rent collection.
Answer: “I send reminders, then formal notices. If needed, I arrange payment plans or escalate according to legal protocols. Consistent communication and documentation are key.”
12. How do you ensure tenant satisfaction?
Happy tenants = better retention.
Answer: “I maintain open communication, respond quickly to issues, conduct regular check-ins, and act on feedback. A satisfied tenant is more likely to renew leases.”
13. Describe a time when you made a mistake and how you handled it.
They want accountability.
Answer: “I once sent a service charge letter to the wrong tenant. I immediately owned the error, issued a corrected notice, and apologised. I then implemented a verification checklist.”
14. What KPIs do you use to measure your performance?
Data-driven approach matters.
Answer: “Tenant retention, rent collection rate, service charge accuracy, response times, and contractor performance scores are the key metrics I track.”
15. How do you handle conflicting demands from landlords and tenants?
Balance is key.
Answer: “I listen carefully to both, manage expectations, and look for compromises that align with lease terms and long-term asset value.”
16. What legal knowledge do you bring to this role?
Know the regulations.
Answer: “I’m familiar with the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, Section 20 consultations, RICS codes of practice, and service charge law. I also understand data protection and fire safety obligations.”
17. How do you manage a multi-site portfolio?
They’re testing scalability.
Answer: “I schedule regular site visits, use digital inspection tools, and delegate routine tasks to trusted contractors. I rely on cloud-based systems to stay up-to-date.”
18. What would your previous tenants or landlords say about you?
This gauges your reputation.
Answer: “They would describe me as responsive, fair, and solutions-focused. I aim to be both firm and approachable.”
19. Why are you leaving your current job?
Stay positive.
Answer: “I’m looking for a company like Savills that offers a larger portfolio and the opportunity to grow with a more structured career development plan.”
20. Do you have any questions for us?
Always have questions ready.
Answer: “How is success measured in this role? What’s the onboarding process like at Savills? How does Savills support career development within the property management team?”
Final Interview Tips for Aspiring Savills Property Managers
Going into a Savills interview prepared makes all the difference. Study the company’s values, recent property deals, and portfolio diversity. Dress professionally, speak clearly, and use STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) methods to structure your answers. Ask thoughtful questions that show your long-term interest.
Confidence isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about showing you’re willing and capable of learning. With preparation and a positive attitude, your next career move might just start with that Savills interview.
