Meet Sean Gethings, Lettings Negotiator at Grayling Properties
Sean joined Grayling Properties in 2023 through Ireland’s Property Services apprenticeship programme, combining hands-on industry experience with formal education. Having recently completed the programme and qualified as a Lettings Negotiator, Sean now manages his own residential portfolio, supporting residents from their very first enquiry through to the end of their tenancy.
In this Q&A, Sean shares how an interest in property led him to Grayling, what a typical day looks like managing residential properties, and why communication, technology and teamwork are central to delivering a great resident experience.
Tell us a little about your background. How did you get into property?
I grew up in Firhouse in Dublin and originally studied engineering after finishing school. After my first year, I realised it wasn’t the right fit for me, so I took some time out and worked full-time while figuring out what I wanted to do next.
Property had always been something I was interested in. My grandad owned a portfolio of rental properties around Dublin, so growing up I would often help him out when he was preparing properties for new tenants. I also loved watching programmes like A Place in the Sun and Homes Under the Hammer, so it was always an area that interested me.
When I discovered the Property Services apprenticeship, it felt like the perfect opportunity to combine learning with real work experience, and that’s what eventually brought me to Grayling.
You completed the Property Services apprenticeship while working at Grayling. What was that experience like?
The apprenticeship is a great structure because you earn while you learn.
You spend four days working in the business and one day each week in college, so you’re constantly putting what you’ve learned into practice. I found that much easier than traditional classroom learning because you can apply new knowledge almost immediately in your day-to-day role.
Balancing work and study take commitment, but it was a brilliant experience and one I’d recommend to anyone interested in a career in property.
How long have you been with Grayling?
I joined Grayling in July 2023, so I’m coming up on three years with the company.
Since then, I’ve completed the apprenticeship, qualified, received my PSRA licence and recently moved into my current role as a Lettings Negotiator.
What does your role as a Lettings Negotiator involve?
No two days are ever the same, which is one of the things I enjoy most.
Most days involve arranging and carrying out viewings, responding to tenant enquiries, preparing lease agreements and working closely with residents throughout the letting process.
Because I also manage my own portfolio of properties, I’m involved throughout the entire resident journey. I’m often the first-person prospective residents speak to when they enquire about a property, and I continue to support them throughout their tenancy until they eventually move out.
That continuity helps build good relationships with residents and gives you a real sense of ownership over your portfolio.
What types of properties do you manage?
I manage three residential portfolios on behalf of different landlords.
They’re all apartment buildings, mostly within renovated Victorian and Georgian properties. Every building is different, which keeps things interesting. Some have been recently refurbished while others have their own unique character and history.
What skills are most important in your role?
Communication is the biggest one.
Whether you’re meeting someone at a viewing, responding to emails or helping a resident resolve an issue, people want to feel listened to and supported.
Problem-solving is another important skill because every day brings different situations, and working as part of a team is essential. We work very closely with our maintenance, accounts and property management teams to make sure residents have a positive experience.
How do you contribute to the resident experience?
A property manager or lettings negotiator isn’t just managing a building — you’re supporting the people living there.
Residents come to us with questions, maintenance issues and day-to-day concerns, so it’s our responsibility to make sure those issues are dealt with efficiently and professionally.
Our goal is always to make the letting process as smooth as possible and to ensure residents feel supported throughout their tenancy.
Have resident expectations changed in recent years?
Definitely.
Technology has made it much easier for residents to contact us, submit maintenance requests and track issues online. That’s a positive thing because communication is a lot more straightforward, but it also means expectations around response times have increased.
Residents naturally expect quick updates, so it’s important that we communicate clearly and prioritise issues appropriately.
How is technology helping you in your role?
Technology has become a huge part of how we work.
We use AI-powered software called Lette to manage enquiries, organise viewings and streamline a lot of the administrative work that used to be done manually.
It analyses enquiries coming through platforms like Daft, helps schedule viewings and keeps everything organised in one place. It saves a huge amount of time, allowing us to focus more on residents rather than administration.
What’s the rental market like at the moment?
Demand remains incredibly strong while supply is still limited, so it’s a very busy market.
There have also been legislative changes that continue to shape the rental sector, so it’s important for property professionals to stay informed and help both landlords and residents navigate those changes.
What makes Grayling a great place to work?
The culture is very collaborative.
Everyone works together regardless of their role, and there’s no real sense of hierarchy. People are always willing to help each other, even when things are busy.
It’s a really supportive environment, and because everyone is working towards the same goal, there’s a strong team atmosphere across the business.
How has Grayling supported your professional development?
The apprenticeship itself was a huge investment in my development, but the learning hasn’t stopped since then.
Grayling regularly provides additional training and professional development opportunities. At the moment we’re taking part in a communication and presentation skills programme, which has been really valuable.
Those kinds of opportunities help you develop skills that are useful not only in work but throughout your career.
What achievement are you most proud of so far?
Completing the apprenticeship while working full-time is probably my biggest achievement.
Balancing assignments, exams and work wasn’t always easy, so qualifying, receiving my PSRA licence and then taking responsibility for my own portfolio has been incredibly rewarding.
It’s great to be able to see how much I’ve progressed over the last few years.
What advice would you give someone considering a career in property?
Be willing to learn.
When I started, everything was completely new to me, but if you’re open to learning and gaining experience across different areas of the industry, you’ll develop very quickly.
The apprenticeship is a fantastic route into the profession because it combines practical experience with formal education, and I’d definitely encourage anyone interested in property to consider it.
Where would you like your career to be in five years?
I’m really enjoying my current role and want to continue building my experience.
Over the next few years, I’d like to take on more responsibility, continue learning and eventually progress into a more senior position. Property is constantly evolving, so there are always new opportunities to learn, grow, and adapt.
Finally, tell us something your colleagues might not know about you.
Outside of work, I enjoy staying active and have played a range of sports over the years, including football, boxing and swimming.
I’m also going on a solo volunteer trip to Brazil later this year, which I’m really looking forward to. It will be a completely new experience and something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.