From the police force to property management, Sam Harris has built a new career that’s all about people.
Known for his calm approach and strong relationships with clients, Sam was recently recognised with the Achievement Award at the 2025 National Awards for Excellence.
We spoke to Sam about his career journey, what it's really like working in property management, and the skills that have helped him along the way.
How did you get into real estate?
I was working as a police officer back in the UK. When I decided it was time for a change, I was looking for something to fall back on and a career that, like the police, wouldn’t have me stuck behind a desk all day.
A friend in real estate suggested I look into it, so I did some research and got in touch with an agency I knew. I went in for a trial and ended up really enjoying it. There were a lot of similarities with policing – building trust, working with people, and being out and about – it just felt like a natural fit. I found I was quite good at talking to people and having that connection.
Are there any skills you’ve brought across from the police force?
Definitely conflict management. In the police, you deal with difficult situations and agitated people, which has really helped in property management – especially when emotions run high.
I’ve assisted owners who've had issues managing properties privately. In one case, tensions escalated, and we had to manage the situation carefully to ensure everyone's safety.
It’s a sensitive part of the job, but thanks to my background, I’m confident handling those situations calmly and professionally. We always make sure no one attends alone in those cases.
What do you enjoy most about working in real estate?
I really like the structure, which sounds funny when you never quite know what the day will bring. Compared to the UK, there’s a lot more organisation here.
I enjoy the variety and the people side of the job. I like being out on the road, meeting with owners and tenants, and having conversations that build trust and connection. I’m not someone who enjoys being stuck behind a desk all day, so having a role that keeps me moving and interacting with people is a great fit.
How does a career in property management differ in Australia from the UK?
The roles are surprisingly different. In the UK, my role focused solely on maintenance and inspections. Lease renewals and home opens were handled by leasing specialists who looked over the onboarding and end of tenancy. I had over 500 properties under my management, but my responsibility was the tenant relationship once they were in the property.
In Australia, I may have a smaller portfolio of around 130 properties, but as the property manager I look after the end-to-end relationship. From the initial home open and Property Condition Reports to routine inspections, problem solving (with the home and personal), outgoing inspections and bond releases, we really do it all.
What’s the proudest moment of your career so far?
Being recognised at the REIWA 2024 Awards for Excellence and the REIA 2025 National Awards for Excellence was a real highlight. I’ve always focused on doing the job well, keeping tenants happy and building strong relationships, so to have that work acknowledged by my peers really meant a lot. It made me feel appreciated.
How can tenants ensure a smooth tenancy?
It all starts at the home open – I always encourage prospective tenants to have a quick chat with me. It helps me understand their situation, what they’re looking for and it makes them stand out when looking through applications. A lot of people walk through without saying anything, but that small interaction can really make a difference.
Once a tenancy begins, the two things owners value most are that the property is looked after and rent is paid on time. We set those expectations early with tenants so everyone’s on the same page. The key to a smooth tenancy is open communication – if everyone’s upfront and responsive, it makes things easier for everyone involved.
What advice would you give to someone looking to start a career in property management?
You need to be resilient. There’ll be times when things don’t go to plan and emotions run high, whether it’s an owner or a tenant, and often the property manager is the one in the middle.
Being able to communicate clearly, stay calm and listen to everyone involved is really important. And it helps not to take things personally – at the end of the day it’s about finding the best way forward for all parties.
