Becoming a Professional Residential Surveyor at 20.
Sava surveying graduate, Mateo Cave, enrolled on the Diploma in Residential Surveying and Valuation in November when he was just 18 years old, after spending is teenage years building his construction knowledge. We caught up with Mateo shortly after he achieved his Diploma in Residential Surveying and Valuation to find out more about his journey into surveying, how he found his Sava training experience and what exciting things he’s been up to since.
What was your background before training to become a surveyor?
From my early teens, I spent every weekend and school holiday on building sites. School never really clicked for me – I was a bit of a handful until my dad sat me down and gave me a serious talk about figuring out what I wanted from life. Around that time, a family friend was renovating his house and handed me a shovel. That small moment changed everything. I started helping him build extensions, and by 15, I’d learned how to lay bricks. From there, I got stuck into a variety of projects, from major construction sites to residential loft conversions. It was hands-on, challenging, and exactly what I needed. While I was loading skips and stacking bricks, I was also trying to survive college.
What was your motivation for becoming a residential surveyor?
By the time I left college, I’d worked with over a hundred tradespeople. Real characters. All of them taught me something. I didn’t know then, but I was laying the foundations of a professional career.
The lads on site would say things like, “There’s no longevity in this” and “My back’s gone, my knees are shot.” That stuck with me, not as a reason to give up, but to try and level up. Surveying and engineering were often mentioned and I realised that, through my experience, I already knew many of the principles of surveying – I just needed to gain the professional skills.
What made you choose Sava as your training route into the profession?
For me, the Sava diploma started the day I got my A-Level results. I was at my diploma induction day when they came through. I felt like all my prior experience had built up to that moment.
I’ve always been a bit against the grain and, whilst I knew there were surveying degrees out there, I also knew that university wouldn’t keep my interest. The Sava diploma offered me a vocational, degree-equivalent qualification without the student debt. I was able to pay for the course monthly and gain an industry-recognised qualification in two years – something I could never have done at university.
I worked full time so that I could pay off the qualification before I finished it. A lot of friends told me I was mad, and I would never get through it, but I proved them all wrong. Now, I’m 20 years old and a qualified residential surveyor. My 21-year-old friends are still at university and rolling in debt, so I know I made the right choice.
How did you find the training experience with Sava?
First year was brilliant. My time on site had already taught me 85% of what I needed to pass, but I still learned a lot in a short space of time. During year one, I also secured employment as an estate agent to gain some experience and learn more about the home buying process. Year two – the assessment phase of the qualification – was more of a challenge. It’s self-directed which can be a massive shock to the system after a year of structured learning. It was up to me to motivate myself and that took some dedication.
Was it hard? The hardest thing I’ve done. Sava made me grow up. It forced focus. It made me look at what mattered. Am I still learning? Absolutely. The way I think of it, surveying is a lot like driving – you learn the fundamentals on the course, but the real learning comes when you’re working in the field, experiencing it day to day.
What was the highlight of your Sava experience?
I have some great memories from my time at Sava and made lasting friendships along the way. I always felt supported throughout the journey – by the Sava team and my cohort. Starting so young meant there were a lot of eyes on me, which only made qualifying at 20 even more of a proud milestone. As for the course itself, the practical property visits were especially valuable – they really helped bring the learning to life and put everything into context.
What have you been up to since qualifying?
During the course, I found a mentor (who also graduated through Sava). I now work alongside him as a partner in his London firm – Richmond Futures Building and Party Wall Surveyors – where I mostly undertake Level 2 and Level 3 home surveys.
Professional growth is incredibly important to me, and I’m really enjoying the opportunity to explore new areas of specialisation – most recently, party wall surveying. At the same time, I’m working with Survey Shack to help develop innovative property technology solutions. The property sector is undergoing a digital revolution, and I believe the landscape will look entirely different within the next five years. It’s an exciting time to be a surveyor, and I’m looking forward to collaborating with industry leaders to help prepare the profession for the wave of innovation ahead
What’s been your career highlight so far?
Proving everyone wrong. In a way, I like it when people tell me I can’t do something – it’s like fuel on the fire. 90% of people said I couldn’t qualify as a surveyor by the age of 20 but look at me now, an Associate member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors! If that’s not a sign of success, what is?
What advice would you give to anyone considering training as a surveyor?
Once qualified, get specialised. The specialism I’d like to focus on in the future is period property, but there are so many areas to explore. Think about your biggest passion in the built environment and become an expert in that field – aim to be someone the surveying community can come to for advice and guidance.
In a few words, can you describe the impact the Sava diploma has had on your life so far?
Sava has one hundred percent changed me for the better. I was 18 when I started and looking back, I can hardly recognise myself, I’ve matured so much. The diploma has made me realise how much willpower I really have and now I’m more determined than ever.
Would you recommend the Sava diploma to others looking to enter the profession? (If so, why?)
100% I would recommend it. If you like a challenge, you can do it. I completed the course alongside people who already had degrees, and I did it. You learn so much, you meet great people, the trainers are experts in their fields. It’s a unique gateway into an extremely rewarding profession.
If you’re looking to change careers and join the residential surveying profession in as little as 24 months, head to our diploma course page or get in touch with a course advisor today at hello@sava.co.uk or by calling us on 01908 442158. A member of the team will be happy to walk you through the course, the career and what to expect once qualified.