RICS property measurement, 2nd edition

This document provides an understanding of the application of this professional standard and technical definitions. It also incorporates aspects of the IPMS suite of guidance. 

Following the publication of IPMS: All Buildings, please note this document is in the process of being updated.

During this interim period, RICS members and RICS regulated firms should adopt the appropriate measurement basis from IPMS: All Buildings or RICS’ Code of Measuring Practice so as to satisfy the requirements of the instruction. The basis of measurement used should be documented.

Please see the RICS website for further updates.

RICS property measurement comprises the following two elements:

1. Professional standard: property measurement

• Application of this professional standard
• Technical definitions
• IPMS: Office Buildings, as applied under the professional standard
• IPMS: Residential Buildings as applied under the professional standard (applies to office measurements and residential measurements only).

2. RICS IPMS data standard

This document reflects the IPMS standards (IPMS: Office Buildings and IPMS: Residential) and will be updated over time to comply with other IPMS standards, including industrial, retail and mixed use, as they are published.

For all building classes except offices and residential buildings, the bases of measurement contained within the Code of measuring practice, 6th edition (COMP) may still apply though the application of this professional statement applies to all building classes. The COMP was effective globally from 18 May 2015, though early adoption of IPMS is recommended on publication of the new standards.

Software developers and those requiring the use of structured data are advised to follow the schemas as defined, and those wishing to pursue RICS software certification must demonstrate compliance with this data standard.