‘We can help estate agents prepare for sales-process reforms’
Early property condition checks will help estate agents reduce delays and fall-throughs, says boss of survey app SurveyShack
The Government’s plan to make home buying and selling faster and more transparent has placed a renewed focus on upfront information and the role estate agents will be expected to play, says Brett Ray (pictured), founding partner and CEO of Survey Shack.
The property inspection platform has launched a new tool designed to help them adapt their workflows ahead of the required changes.
Its Pro tool provides agents with a structured way to carry out early property-condition checks before a home is listed. By identifying significant defects at the outset, Survey Shack says it can help reduce delays, improve listing quality and give buyers greater clarity at the point of offer.
Surveyor shortage
The move comes as the industry continues to grapple with a shortage of qualified surveyors. RICS’ 2025 Surveying Skills Report found that 87% of surveyors believe skills shortages are already affecting capacity, with 27% describing the impact as “critical”.
With demand for early condition data expected to rise under the new proposals, the company says its technology-supported inspections could help fill the gap.
Survey Shack Pro allows approved users to carry out condition checks under a defined framework backed by the firm’s professional indemnity insurance. Ray says this structure provides “PI-backed reassurance” for agents and vendors and creates a clear point of difference for those who choose to adopt the approach.
This is the first end-to-end service that combines owner-led condition checks with a professionally delivered report in a single, scalable delivery mechanism.”
The reports generated through the tool can then feed into the Open Property Data Association’s Property Data Trust Framework, supporting the wider move towards standardised, digital information and helping progress transactions with fewer surprises once conveyancers become involved.
Ray concludes: “This is the first end-to-end service that combines owner-led condition checks with a professionally delivered report in a single, scalable delivery mechanism.”
