Women in Real Estate: Blazing Trails Across the Pond
Recently, on my podcast, Keys to Change, I spoke with Ugo Arinzeh, one of the most driven women in real estate I know. Her journey is truly inspiring. Ugo transitioned from finance, where she worked on large-scale property transactions, to starting her own real estate firm in London—one of the fastest-moving markets around.
Ugo helps other women build their financial futures in our industry. Her advice is straightforward: focus on making a smart first purchase, whether that’s a rental property or a renovation. Real estate is one of the best tools for creating long-term security, and Ugo’s experience shows that success is achievable.
If you’re wondering if real estate could help you achieve financial freedom, Ugo’s advice might be exactly what you need to hear.
Breaking Into London Real Estate
Switching careers is tough—but imagine doing it in a different country. When Ugo arrived in London, she didn’t have a network, but she had her finance background and used that to her advantage. Her experience at Bank of America taught her about property investment. She quickly realized that personal connections were key to thriving in the industry.
Ugo didn’t wait for opportunities to come to her. She actively built relationships with local agents and investors, which became the foundation of her success. In real estate, teamwork is crucial, and Ugo emphasizes the importance of finding the right people to support your journey—whether it’s other real estate agents, contractors, or mentors. She says women often bring people together and create strong, lasting partnerships.
Her advice to women? Don’t let numbers or industry complexities scare you. Real estate is a powerful tool for long-term security, especially if you’re determined to create financial freedom. She stresses how crucial it is to make a smart first purchase—whether that’s a small rental or a renovation project.
“I think so many times we get that overwhelming feeling of, I can’t do it. I don’t want to do it,” Ugo says. “You have to start somewhere and build yourself up from there.”
Ugo encourages women to start small. “You have to start somewhere and build yourself up from there,” she says. For her, it’s about beginning with manageable projects, learning as you go, and trusting that growth will come with each step. She also points out that women often see unique opportunities in areas like design and community building—where their strengths can shine.
Why Women Thrive in Real Estate
Ugo says women do well in real estate for reasons beyond financial analysis. Sure, real estate is a numbers game, but it’s also about understanding the deeper value people invest in properties. It so happens that women often bring unique strengths to these areas.
Here are some ways we can truly stand out:
Understanding the Emotional Side. Many women have a natural talent for recognizing what makes a house feel like a home. Price alone doesn’t sell a property. A property’s atmosphere resonates with buyers and tenants, making a huge impact!
Design and Vision. Women often have a knack for seeing potential in spaces that others might overlook. That creative vision can add substantial value, especially for those involved in flipping homes or managing rentals.
Building Community: Women are often focused on a sense of connection in the neighborhoods they work with. They see how surrounding environments can help people feel like they belong. This focus on community can be an extra asset for buyers and tenants alike.
Collaborative Leadership. Success in real estate depends on the team you build, and women are often great at bringing people together. Whether working with contractors, agents, or lawyers, women’s collaborative approach helps them cultivate trust and effective partnerships.
Women Have a Bright Future in Real Estate
Ugo’s journey shows me that women are reshaping our industry in the process. She’s living proof that success doesn’t come from having all the answers right away. It’s about making that first move, learning from each step, and staying resilient.
“You’re going to fail, you’re going to learn, and that’s okay,” she says. “We need to get more comfortable with being uncomfortable because every mistake teaches us something valuable.”
Real estate offers endless opportunities, especially for women ready to take charge of their financial futures. If Ugo’s story tells us anything, it’s that success isn’t about waiting for the perfect moment. It’s about sometimes diving in headfirst, taking that first step, and trusting yourself to grow along the way.