Sarah Butler, Smiths Gore

Sarah Butler specialises in rural property and works as an assistant land agent at Smiths Gore. She studied an undergraduate degree in equine science and then a postgraduate qualification in rural estate management.

What do you do in your day-to-day work?

I provide support to the rest of my team. We predominantly manage rural estates: agricultural land, residential property and, increasingly, commercial property where farms and estates have diversified. The saying that no two days are ever the same in surveying is especially true in rural practice. I could be moving a tenant into a new tenancy in the morning and out in the field measuring boundaries in the afternoon. Today, for example, I’ve done some map preparation, worked on farm business tenancies and visited tenants to discuss general housing maintenance. I now have a report to draft following a five-yearly property inspection.

What did you find most challenging when you started out?

I found perceiving clients’ expectations difficult at first, but it gets easier as you gain more experience and build relationships with clients.

What do you like best about rural surveying?

I was attracted by the quality of life in the countryside. I love being out in the fresh air, walking across peaceful fields – preferably with the sun shining.