The UK residential manager at UOL Homes on how she got started in property, her favourite TV show and album, the superpower she wishes she had and why she’d love to board the wine tram in South Africa.
Lauren Newbury
How did you join the property industry?
My mum told me to get a job or go to university, so I handed my CV into a local estate agent and got a job as a sales negotiator. My uncle was also a property developer, so I grew up around building sites.
What does your job entail?
I am responsible for the UK residential management activity at UOL Homes, which entails selling available units and running interior design/refurbishment projects. I also oversee the Sky Residences at One Bishopsgate Plaza, a collection of premium homes rising above the City from levels 21 to 41. My role ensures residents experience uncompromising service, from concierge co-ordination to wellbeing facilities and private‑lift access.
What do you like most about the property industry?
I love the variety of jobs in the industry, whether working in residential or commercial. Across management and investment, there are lots of different avenues to explore. It is also a close-knit industry where people do generally support each other, even if they are a competitor.
And what do you dislike most about it?
The government’s continually changing policies and legislation, however well-meaning, often have a directly negative effect on the property industry, creating uncertainty, lack of confidence and inertia – the opposite of what we need right now.
What is your favourite building?
I am a big fan of Battersea Power Station. It is such a beautiful art deco building.
Who in property has inspired you?
The close friends I made at my first job in London at KFH have inspired me: Lisa Maher, Antonia Gibbs, Olivia Bennett, Eleanor Griffiths and Lizzie Stevens. They all have incredibly successful careers and hold top positions within well-established businesses. They inspire me to always strive for the best, never have imposter syndrome and take risks.
If you had not gone into property, what would you be doing?
I’d be a baker, but only cookies and brownies. My cakes end up like bricks.
What would you change about the property industry?
The negative media the industry attracts. We should be working together, driving to deliver the right development in the right places – not encouraging politicising and anti-community views via the press.
What barriers or challenges do you feel you have overcome?
I didn’t go to university, which is still fairly unusual in the industry. This was a challenge when starting my career and I am very proud to have progressed from estate agent to managing large residential blocks and now ultimately working client-side for a large institution.
What are you most proud of in your career?
I have worked in challenging job roles and I have been able to maintain strong friendships, even after leaving each company.
What do you value in people?
I value honesty, humility and a good sense of humour.
What advice would you give someone starting a career in the property industry?
Try not to pigeon-hole yourself too early, explore different opportunities within the industry and then, when you have found the avenue you like the most, work hard and become the best in that field.
Top recommendations
Favourite destination?
It has to be Cape Town in South Africa. Anywhere that has a wine tram, penguins and an amazing beach needs no other rationale.
Favourite TV show?
Schitt’s Creek. It’s a real riches-to-rags-and-back-to-riches tale and full of belly-laugh-inducing comedy. It’s so cleverly written. I’m watching it again in homage to the great Catherine O’Hara, whose jokes, acting and overall personality were amazing.
Favourite album?
Hot Fuss by The Killers. There is not a bad song on the album, and I refuse to believe people don’t love hearing Mr Brightside on a night out or at a wedding. Instant smiles all round.
Superpower to have?
Teleportation – not so that I can teleport to anywhere in the world, but so that I can teleport from anywhere in the world to my bed, with freshly washed sheets and my full skincare routine completed. This would be particularly helpful when I’ve booked the late flight home (because it made sense at the time) but, in reality, I’m over it by 2pm and want to be home. I could just click my fingers and be in my own bed.
