How to Become a Property Surveyor.
Residential property surveyors in the UK use their bricks and mortar expertise to assess property condition, undertake valuations and provide a crucial service to homebuyers and homeowners as they buy, sell and retrofit their homes. In this article, we take a look at the role, what makes surveying a worthwhile career and how to become a property surveyor.
The Importance of Residential Property Surveying
With over 29 million residential properties in the UK valued at over £7.4 trillion, the role of residential property surveyors cannot be overstated. These professionals provide essential information on property condition, ensuring their clients can make informed decisions about their most significant investment.
Furthermore, property surveyors offer expert valuations to mortgage lenders, helping them manage lending risks. Their expertise extends to addressing technical defects, advising on low-energy retrofits, and resolving legal disputes. The work of residential property surveyors keeps the housing market moving smoothly and protects the interests of buyers, owners and lenders.
The Dynamic Role of a Residential Property Surveyor
No two residential properties are identical, making the work of a residential surveyor dynamic and interesting. Over time, properties undergo modifications, and surveyors are the eyes of the new purchaser and their lender. When completing a condition survey for homebuyers, the surveyor will inspect the property and identify any issues and defects which homebuyers can then use to inform their purchase decisions – for example, to go ahead with the purchase, negotiate on price or abandon the purchase completely.
With experience, residential property surveyors can specialise in various areas, such as historic building conservation, environmental sustainability, and property valuation. This flexibility allows surveyors to shape their careers according to their interests and expertise.
Careers and Rewards for Residential Property Surveyors
Choosing a career in residential property surveying offers numerous rewards. The Diploma in Residential Surveying and Valuation – the vocational route into surveying – boasts a 96% employment rate within three months of graduation. The profession offers flexibility, allowing surveyors to work full-time or part-time and even become self-employed by setting up their own independent practices.
Achieving professional status through the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE) further enhances career prospects. These credentials demonstrate a surveyor’s commitment to excellence and open doors to advanced career opportunities.
Starting salaries vary depending on where and how surveyors work, with many established surveying firms offering commission and bonuses on top of a base salary. According to popular recruitment sites Reed and Talent.com, entry level positions start at £45,000 per year. Within 3 years of completing their diploma programme, the average basic salary of a Sava graduate is £61,000, with experienced and independent members of the profession reporting six-figure earnings.
How to Become a Property Surveyor
How you become a residential property surveyor will depend on your current circumstances and how you wish to learn.
The University Route
Traditionally, aspiring surveyors would undertake an RICS-accredited degree which offers a broad knowledge of surveying in all its guises before then following the residential pathway to specialise in domestic property surveying. This is route has its benefits, providing a holistic view of surveying taught in a structured way in a university setting, giving learners the opportunity to experience university life. Training typically takes 3 – 5 years full time and most graduates will then need to complete their Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) with RICS before practising.
Key Benefits:
- Teaches a broad knowledge of surveying
- Access to large university support network
- Student loans available for some to cover fees (up to £9,000 per year)
The Vocational Route with Sava
In 2014 a new qualification route was developed in response to a skills shortage in the surveying industry. This route has enabled career changers to transition into residential property surveying by completing a vocational diploma. The Diploma in Residential Surveying and Valuation, delivered by industry-recognised training provider, Sava, is a part-time qualification that’s sought after by UK employers. The diploma enables learners to qualify in just 24 months through a mix of face-to-face, virtual and online learning. The qualification can be undertaken alongside existing work commitments provided there is some flexibility with the learner’s existing role. With a specific focus on residential property, the diploma fully prepares learners for a role in residential property surveying. On qualification, Sava graduates can apply for direct entry into the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors as an Associate member without the need to complete further study or assessment.
- Teaching is centered around residential property, providing in-depth knowledge in this area
- Dedicated support team on hand via email and telephone
- Blended delivery so you experience a balance face-to-face and virtual learning with your cohort alongside self-directed learning
- Practical focus with opportunities to test skills at real-life training properties
- Qualify in 24 months through part-time learning
Next Steps
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in residential property surveying, get in touch with a Sava course advisor today to find out more about the profession, the training routes available and how you can become a practising residential property surveyor in as little as 24 months. Contact us on 01908 442158 or email the team at hello@sava.co.uk.