Senior property reporter – 12 month FTC – The Times and The Sunday Times

The Times and The Sunday Times have a combined 400 years of covering news and providing comment and analysis on the UK and the world. They aim to produce authoritative, credible, responsible and trusted journalism and form part of the nation’s cultural heritage.

About the role

The Times and The Sunday Times are looking for a senior reporter to join the property department on a maternity cover contract.

Property is one of journalism’s most varied beats and the successful candidate will be comfortable covering a wide range of subjects. These will include housing market trends, government policy and taxation, as well as renovations, celebrity house sales and profiles of distinctive properties.

You will need to generate original ideas, be confident working with data and have a strong understanding of the property market. Knowledge of interior design would also be useful.

Applicants should have reporting experience at a national newspaper, news organisation or trade publication and be comfortable working in a digital-first publishing environment.

Closing date: 3 November 2026

Key responsibilities

• Identify and explain trends in the residential property and mortgage markets for readers across the News, Business, Bricks & Mortar and Home sections.
• Break and analyse significant news, securing exclusives on policy and distinctive properties and producing detailed analysis.
• Build a strong network of contacts, including estate agency leaders, mortgage brokers, property analysts and lawyers.
• Tell engaging real-life stories about renovations, house moves and the people and properties behind them.
• Respond quickly to requests from the news desk, producing accurate stories to tight deadlines.
• Produce journalism for a seven-day digital audience and work to an early publishing schedule. Consider digital presentation with every story, including the use of photography, graphics and, where appropriate, video.
• Represent The Times and The Sunday Times as a subject expert across platforms including Times Radio, podcasts and industry events.

Essential criteria

• Experience of reporting in a national newspaper, news organisation or trade publication.
• The ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines while maintaining rigorous accuracy.
• The ability to write for multi-platform digital products.
• The ability to use social media to engage existing and new audiences for The Times and The Sunday Times.
• Strong interpersonal, problem-solving and negotiation skills.
• The ability to communicate clearly and concisely.
• Strong time management and focus.
• Experience of working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.
• A strong understanding of editorial compliance and media law.
• A strong understanding of the property market and confidence working with data.

Knowledge of interior design would be an advantage.

How to apply

Apply with your CV and covering letter by 3 November 2026.

About News UK

News UK is one of the leading media businesses in the UK and Ireland. Its news brands include The Times, The Sunday Times, The Sun, The Sun on Sunday and The TLS. Its national broadcast brands include talkSPORT, Times Radio, Talk and Virgin Radio UK, alongside local radio stations across Ireland.

Its brands provide news, analysis, opinion and entertainment to almost 40 million people each month across print, digital, audio, video, events and experiences. News UK is wholly owned by News Corp.

Life at News UK

News UK aims to represent, reflect and reach the nation, telling stories that matter and helping audiences make decisions based on trusted information.

The organisation aims to bring together employees from different backgrounds, perspectives and experiences and ensure everyone feels valued and able to fulfil their potential.

Its diversity strategy focuses on attracting talent from a wider and more representative pool, improving representation in leadership and supporting diversity across its workforce, journalism and content.

News UK also has 13 employee-led networks and groups that support its diversity strategy and connect colleagues.

Benefits

Benefits include:

• Up to 18 weeks’ maternity leave at full basic salary and up to two weeks’ paternity leave.
• A range of training opportunities and full access to LinkedIn Learning.
• Private medical insurance, including cover for pre-existing conditions.
• Discounted gym memberships, free ClassPass at Home and weekly virtual yoga classes.
• Bikes for Work and Electric Car schemes.
• Up to 60 per cent discount on HarperCollins books.
• Access to exclusive events and competitions with brands including talkSPORT, Virgin Radio UK and The Times, alongside weekly virtual panel discussions with journalists and celebrities.
• Wellbeing benefits including an employee assistance programme (EAP), physiotherapy, massage and counselling.
• A pension scheme with employer contributions of up to 5 per cent.
• 30 days’ holiday plus bank holidays and an additional anniversary day off.
• Up to three paid volunteering days a year.

Inclusive recruitment

News UK wants everyone to have the opportunity to perform at their best during the recruitment process. If you need information provided differently or require adjustments when applying for a role, contact careers@news.co.uk.