Property Acquisition OfficerCouncil
Post No. POSN003435 - Property Acquisition Officer
12 Month Fixed Term Contract with Potential Extension
Newport City Council is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Property Acquisition Officer to join our Accommodation Assets Team, helping to secure high quality accommodation solutions for households in housing need.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone with experience in the residential property sector who enjoys building relationships, negotiating positive outcomes and working in a role where they can make a genuine difference within the local community.
The primary purpose of the role is to identify, secure and maintain accommodation opportunities within the Private Rented Sector, working closely with landlords, letting agents, property owners and housing partners. The successful candidate will play a key role in helping to prevent homelessness, reduce reliance on temporary accommodation and increase access to settled housing solutions across Newport. This will include supporting tenancy sustainment, negotiating lease renewals and working collaboratively with landlords and tenants to prevent evictions wherever possible.
This post forms part of the Accommodation Assets Team, which is responsible for the acquisition, development, management and performance of accommodation assets that deliver safe and effective temporary, transitional and settled accommodation solutions across Newport.
• Developing and maintaining strong relationships with landlords, letting agents and property owners.
• Identifying and securing suitable accommodation opportunities within the Private Rented Sector.
• Negotiating tenancy arrangements, lease agreements, incentive packages and property leasing opportunities.
• Proactively negotiating lease renewals and tenancy extensions to maximise accommodation supply and reduce the loss of suitable housing stock.
• Working positively with landlords and partner agencies to resolve tenancy issues, sustain tenancies and prevent avoidable evictions wherever possible.
• Promoting Council leasing and incentive schemes to existing and prospective landlords.
• Managing a pipeline of acquisition opportunities from initial enquiry through to completion.
• Keeping abreast of changes in housing, property and landlord legislation, providing guidance to landlords where appropriate and ensuring properties meet all relevant safety and compliance standards.
• Working with landlords and partners to improve property standards and ensure accommodation remains safe, suitable and compliant for occupants.
• Working collaboratively with housing, homelessness and support services to achieve positive outcomes for residents.
• Maintaining accurate records, performance data and case management systems.
• Attending property inspections, meetings and networking events across Newport and the surrounding area.
We are looking for someone who can demonstrate:
• Experience working within the residential property sector, such as estate agency, lettings, property management, acquisitions or housing.
• Excellent communication and relationship building skills.
• Strong negotiation and influencing abilities.
• The ability to manage a varied workload and work independently using their own initiative.
• Good organisational and administrative skills with attention to detail.
• A proactive and solution focused approach to problem solving.
• A commitment to delivering excellent customer service and achieving positive outcomes.
Experience of working with landlords, property owners or housing providers would be particularly advantageous.
This is an exciting time to join Newport City Council's Accommodation Assets Team as we continue to expand and improve our accommodation portfolio to meet growing housing demand across the city.
In return, we offer:
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Hybrid working arrangements.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Access to training and professional development opportunities.
• The opportunity to make a real difference to people's lives while developing a rewarding career in property and housing.
We welcome applications for all our jobs in either Welsh or English. An application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.
Newport City Council is committed to working towards its workforce being more representative of the population that we serve and particularly welcomes applications from people from minority ethnic communities represented (or living) in the city. Selection will be made on ability and skills to undertake the role.
Newport City Council is not currently supporting applicants with sponsorship for right to work. In applying for a vacancy, applicants should already have the right to work in the UK.
Our values – Fairness for all, Making a difference, Being responsible, Working together
Ein gwerthoedd – Ein Gwerthoedd, Tegwch i Bawb, Gwneud Gwahaniaeth, Bod yn Gyfrifol, Gweithio gyda'n gilydd