A picture is worth a thousand words – especially in surveys & valuations

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Ever struggled to make sense of a survey or valuation report? Grappling with too much jargon in your property purchase? Then I’ve got good news: life is about to get a lot simpler! 

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From this September, all chartered surveyors and valuers like myself will be required to use the new and improved RICS Home Survey Standard reports. These new-look reports are designed to be much easier for clients to understand, with software that now enables surveyors to include marked-up photos of a property.

 

From now on, clients will be able to receive detailed photos clearly showing any issues, defects or opportunities found within a property they are considering purchasing. I know that survey and valuation terminology can sometimes be confusing, so this development is going to make a real difference to property purchasers! 


Below, I’ve set out some details about the new RICS Home Survey Standard and what the new reports mean for my clients: I look forward to sharing them with you!


What is the RICS Home Survey Standard?

RICS – the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors – is a professional body that regulates standards in the real estate industry. The RICS Home Survey Standard is the best practice benchmark in promoting and enforcing standards within the residential sector. This September marks the deadline for residential chartered surveyors and valuers like me to switch over to the new format RICS Home Survey Standard reports. 


What’s changed?

The new Home Survey Standard reports offer many benefits, including:

  • new names, design and structures to make them easier for clients to understand 

  • marked-up photos of a property, helping clients to clearly see and understand the findings from the survey or valuation 

  • a clear and easy ‘Traffic Light’ system to rate individual elements of the property and highlight areas of concern

  • an impartial assessment of a property which is not only regulated by RICS, but also adheres to the new Home Survey Standard and therefore maintains the benchmark for best practice


The new Home Survey Standard Reports

RICS Home Survey Level 1 - Formerly RICS Home Condition Report

RICS Home Survey Level 2: Survey - Formerly RICS Homebuyers Survey Report

RICS Home Survey Level 2: Survey & Valuation - Formerly RICS Homebuyers Survey Report

RICS Home Survey Level 3 - Formerly RICS Building Survey


Learn more about the different surveys and what’s included in the new reports here. 

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What this means for my clients

The new Home Survey Standard will bring increased clarity to the survey process. By facilitating more open communication, the Standard will greatly benefit property transactions, ensuring clients better understand the process, the different levels of surveys available and what’s included in each one, and how to get the level they need.

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You can find details of the different surveys I offer here and my valuation services here. Feel free to email me or pick up the phone if you’d prefer to have a chat about your needs: you can reach me on 07957 606886.


Sending you warm wishes this September,

Roo 




Reuben Miller