2027 Graduate Scheme - Commercial Real Estate

In joining CBRE’s Next Generation Cohort, you will be shaping the future of Real Estate. You will have excellent training and mentoring from industry experts and specialists, who will share invaluable knowledge and experience with you. You will be a part of a wider cohort of like-minded young professionals who you will develop with in your career. We give you the opportunity to work on world class projects, with an unmatched portfolio of clients, so that you gain the knowledge, skills and ability to become the future leaders and our Next Generation of CBRE.

About the Opportunity

Our Commercial Graduate programme is 24 months long and offers the breadth of experience needed to work at the heart of the real estate industry. The programme focuses on three core business areas, which you may rotate through during your two years. When you apply, you will have the opportunity to indicate your area of preference, helping us match you to the team where you can make the greatest impact.

This structured programme is centred on the completion of the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) through the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

Non-cognate pathway: Students will still complete their APC within the 2-year timeframe, but in addition will complete a part-time RICS-accredited Masters over the 2 years, fully funded by CBRE.

Our Three Core Business Areas

The programme centres on three specialist areas of commercial real estate. Each offers a distinct and rewarding career path, underpinned by CBRE's market-leading expertise and client base.

Valuations

Our Valuation team provides independent, evidence-based assessments of commercial property across all major asset classes, including offices, retail, industrial and mixed-use. As a graduate in this team, you will develop a strong technical grounding in valuation methodology, learn to interpret market evidence and support the preparation of formal valuation reports for lenders, investors, occupiers and public sector clients.

Within this area, our Business Rates team advises clients on their rates liability across their commercial property portfolios. You will assist in challenging assessments at appeal, analysing rating lists and calculating rating liabilities — developing specialist expertise that is highly sought after across the industry.

Capital Markets

CBRE's Capital Markets team sits at the heart of the UK's investment property market, advising clients on the acquisition and disposal of commercial real estate assets. Our graduates in this team gain hands-on experience supporting investment transactions across sectors including offices, retail, industrial and logistics, along with opportunities within our broader Capital Advisory teams such as Real Estate Investment Banking and Debt.

You will contribute to deal analysis and underwriting, conduct market research, prepare investor presentations and support the execution of complex, high-value transactions. This area offers exceptional exposure to clients including institutional investors, REITs, developers and private equity funds.

Leasing

Our Leasing team advises landlords and occupiers across the full leasing lifecycle — from marketing and letting commercial space to lease advisory, renewals and restructuring. Graduates in this team develop strong commercial acumen and client relationship skills, working across a broad range of asset types including offices, retail and industrial.

Day-to-day activity includes conducting property inspections and viewings, preparing marketing materials and sales particulars, drafting heads of terms and reporting to clients. This area also encompasses our Occupier Hub, where graduates gain experience advising occupier clients on their real estate requirements — from search and acquisition through to lease negotiation and portfolio strategy. It is a fast-paced, client-facing environment where strong communication and negotiation skills are developed quickly.

What You’ll Do

• Attending client meetings and presenting your findings, gaining valuable experience in client interaction and communication.
• Participating in regular training sessions and workshops to enhance your professional skills and knowledge in commercial real estate.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver comprehensive real estate solutions to clients.
• Utilising industry-specific software and real estate analytics tools to perform tasks efficiently, including calculating rental, rating and valuation figures.
• Conducting market research to identify trends and opportunities in the commercial real estate sector.
• Inspecting and measuring properties and undertaking viewings.
• Drafting schedules and reports and preparing sales particulars.
• Meeting deadlines set by colleagues, clients and peers.
• Being office-based on each working day, to maximise learning and collaboration within your team.
• Working additional hours from time to time as required by the role.

What You’ll Need

• A forward-thinking and enthusiastic individual with a passion for real estate & the built environment
• Self-motivated with good written and verbal communication skills
• Strong work ethic and proactive with a positive attitude
• Attention to detail, accuracy and good time management
• Permission to work in the UK by the start of employment.
• Cognate students will need a RICS accredited degree or a RICS accredited masters conversion course (achieved or on track for a 2:1 minimum) 
• OR, Non-Cognate students from any degree discipline are welcome to apply (achieved or on track for a 2:1 minimum)
• Good MS Office skills including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint*
• A valid driving license (regional offices only)*

  * Not an essential requirement for the role, but desired

The Application process

• Online job-focused testing 
• Phone screening
• Assessment Centre (held in December or January)
• Interview

Benefits

• Dedicated learning and development team
• Employee discounts
• 25 days holiday + 2 at Christmas
• Private health care
• Yearly salary reviews and discretionary bonus
• Plus many more…

Why CBRE

When you join CBRE, you become part of the global leader in commercial real estate services and investment that helps businesses and people thrive. We are dynamic problem solvers and forward-thinking professionals who create significant impact. Our collaborative culture is built on our shared values — respect, integrity, service and excellence — and we value the diverse perspectives, backgrounds and skillsets of our people. At CBRE, you have the opportunity to chart your own course and realize your potential. We welcome all applicants.

Applicant AI Use Disclosure 

We value human interaction to understand each candidate's unique experience, skills and aspirations. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to make hiring decisions, and we ask that candidates disclose any use of AI in the application and interview process.