RICS signs cooperation agreement with HypZert

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and HypZert signed a new cooperation agreement this week aimed at further improving standards in property valuation and the qualification of real estate experts. This partnership allows both organizations to combine their expertise and encourage professional exchange among real estate valuation specialists.

RICS, a globally active and recognized organization for professionals in the real estate sector, and HypZert GmbH, the leading certification body for property appraisers within the German financial industry, share the common goal of further promoting the profession of real estate valuers, advancing professionalization in valuation practices, and effectively reducing potential risks in areas such as training, regulation, and governance through common standards.

This agreement solidifies the long-standing collaboration between the two organizations. Its central elements include mutual recognition of entry and educational standards, as well as joint events benefiting the individual and shared memberships of both organizations. The most significant innovation is the so-called "direct entry" procedure, which allows appraisers certified as HypZert F or MLV to obtain the MRICS title with minimal additional examination. This simplified access to RICS membership expresses mutual recognition of the high-quality standards and confidence in HypZert certification, which is based on the advanced educational level, knowledge, and professionalization of certified real estate specialists. Conversely, professionals holding an MRICS title can further qualify for HypZert F or MLV with a specialization in mortgage lending valuation through a shortened delta examination.

Christopher Alder, Senior Executive Officer of RICS Standards and Regulation, emphasized the benefits of this cooperation: "I am convinced that both organizations and, above all, our members, clients, stakeholders, and the public will benefit from our closer collaboration. This agreement enables us to share and expand connections between our professional networks, improve property valuation standards, and ultimately enhance trust in the profession."

Reiner Lux, Managing Director of HypZert, added: "Simplified access to respective memberships for qualified real estate specialists is an excellent demonstration of the high-quality standards our organizations have substantially established."

Professional exchange and the promotion of international networking will continue to be enriched by joint industry events, such as those with the International Valuation Standards Council, professional research, or publications.

Signatories: Christopher Alder, Senior Executive Officer, RICS Standards and Regulation, as well as Tanja Reiß and Reiner Lux, both Managing Directors of HypZert GmbH.

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About RICS

We are RICS. Everything we do is designed to effect positive change in the built and natural environments. Through our respected global standards, leading professional progression and our trusted data and insight, we promote and enforce the highest professional standards in the development and management of land, real estate, construction and infrastructure.

Our work with others provides a foundation for confident markets, pioneers better places to live and work and is a force for positive social impact.

For more information:

Kris Hicks
Khicks@rics.org