Housing Research Consultant

BRE Group; Watford; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research organization in Watford is seeking a Housing Consultant to support impactful housing analysis. In this role, you will leverage substantial datasets to inform housing policies and produce compelling research reports. Candidates should possess a relevant degree and strong analytical skills. Experience with statistical software is desirable. The position offers a hybrid working environment and a comprehensive benefits package, fostering professional development and work-life balance.

Benefits

Pension scheme – 5% employer-matched contribution

HealthPartners cashback scheme

Onsite facilities – Restaurant, nursery, parking

Qualifications

• Experience of data analysis using spreadsheets and statistical software.
• Strong communication skills in writing and speaking.
• Knowledge of housing and sustainability is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed analysis of data from national housing surveys.
• Write clear research reports and present findings to customers.
• Innovate uses of data and apply data science techniques.

Skills

Data analysis

Numeracy

Communication skills

IT literacy

Knowledge of housing policy

Education

Bachelor's, Master's or PhD in a numerate discipline

Tools

Statistical software (R, SAS, SPSS)

Programming (Python, R, C++, Java)

Job description

What if your analysis could directly improve the homes people live in every day?

BRE is looking for a Housing Consultant to join our Housing Data & Insights team, working across robust data, housing policy and real‑world impact. This role is ideal for someone with proven experience analysing complex datasets, a strong interest in housing, and the skills to produce high‑quality research reports that influence decision‑makers.

Using nationally significant housing surveys and models relied upon by government and industry, you’ll help tackle fuel poverty, improve housing quality, and support a more energy‑efficient housing stock across the UK.

Help BRE make the built environment safer and more sustainable

BRE is the world’s leading innovation, science and data hub for the built environment. For more than a century we have provided government and industry with cutting edge research and testing. Join us to help deliver products, advice, services, standards and qualifications used around the globe to make buildings better for people and the environment. Through science‑led solutions to urgent challenges, we will build a thriving and sustainable world.

Your role at BRE

The role offers exciting opportunities with significant personal development in data analysis techniques, problem solving, housing and energy policy knowledge and customer interaction.

It will encompass several of the following elements, depending on project and team need:

• Detailed analysis of data from national housing surveys, especially the English Housing Survey (EHS) – England’s largest and most comprehensive survey of housing and the people who live in our homes.
• Detailed analysis of other data from sources to build and validate our models.
• Writing clear research reports and presenting findings to customers.
• Innovative uses of data and the application of data science to provide insight for our government and private sector customers.
• Using new and emerging software and technologies to process the data we are collecting.
• Research and numerical modelling of trends in energy efficiency, fuel poverty, housing condition and carbon emissions.
• Developing indicators & methods to help identify trends in housing and other data.
• Interpretation and validation of results.

Your profile

• We welcome candidates with Bachelors, Masters or PhD degrees, especially those from any numerate discipline.
• Excellent numeracy, written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong IT literacy, or a demonstrable ability to develop these.
• Experience of data analysis using spreadsheets, statistical software and/or programming.
• Enthusiasm and initiative both individually and as part of a team.
• Drive and determination, and the ability to work under pressure in a commercial research team.
• A willingness to learn new skills, and to pass new and existing skills onto colleagues.
• Knowledge of housing, housing policy or sustainability.
• Flexibility, pragmatism and a willingness to be involved in a variety of different projects.
• Enthusiasm to better understand housing quality and the characteristics of households living in our homes.

Desirable

• Formal experience using statistical software such as R, SAS, SPSS.
• Programming skills, for example Python, R, C++ or Java.

The requirements above are provided for guidance purposes. We welcome applications from candidates with varying levels of experience who can demonstrate their suitability for the role.

BRE benefits

At BRE, we offer a competitive salary, reviewed annually, along with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your financial security, wellbeing, and career development.

Financial & Security Benefits

• Pension scheme – 5% employer‑matched contribution
• Life assurance – 4x your basic salary
• Enhanced maternity package

Health & Wellbeing

• HealthPartners cashback scheme – Reclaim costs on prescriptions, physiotherapy, dental care, and more
• Onsite facilities – Restaurant, nursery, and free parking, including at‑cost EV charging points

Career Development

• Learning & development – Free access to BRE Academy and our online learning platform
• Professional membership reimbursement

  For full details on our benefits, visit BRE Employee Benefits

  Flexible working options

  This position will be a hybrid role, including remote (home) and in office work (based at our BRE Science Park in Watford).

  BRE is an equal opportunities employer. We assess all qualified applicants based on merit and do not discriminate on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristics.