The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has begun a six-week public consultation on updating its Home Survey Standard to ensure it remains up-to-date and ‘fit for purpose’.

Proposed changes

It follows the findings of an earlier survey involving over 325 RICS professionals and more than 1,400 homeowners. It identified six key areas of improvement for those involved in the consultation to consider:

• Updating of information on legislation and regulatory practices
• Use of technology and AI
• Greater clarity on the levels of surveying
• Optional valuation for all levels of surveying
• Guidance for ‘additional risk’ dwellings
• Additional services, from retrofit buildings to drone inspections

The RICS Home survey standard is a key document underpinning consumer confidence and professional practice in the residential market.”

Gary Epps (pictured), Chair of the Expert Group, says: “The RICS Home survey standard is a key document underpinning consumer confidence and professional practice in the residential market.

“Since its introduction, it has helped ensure consistency and clarity in home surveys across the UK.

“This update reflects our commitment to maintaining best practice, adapting to market developments, and listening to the views of members and consumers alike. We encourage all stakeholders to engage with the consultation and help shape the future of home surveying.”

Running parallel to this consultation, RICS is also exploring a separate home survey regulation scheme designed to boost public trust and professional consistency, though this won’t directly impact the updated standard.

The consultation comes as the industry continues to wrestle with stubbornly low survey take-up rates. It will run for a total of six weeks and will close on 30 September. More details can be found here.