Home survey standard

The RICS Home survey standard was created in 2019, and became effective in 2021 (post Covid), to demonstrate consistency, deliver the highest quality of service, meet with evolving consumer needs and contribute to delivering trust in the home survey market across the UK.

Review of the standard 2024-5

As the residential sector evolves, periodic reviews of this important standard are necessary. RICS aims to deliver a revised document for home surveys that:

Meets member requirements.
Provides a clear framework for qualified RICS members and regulated firms.
Considers consumer sentiment and sector developments.
Accounts for third parties working with the standard in their respective areas.
Reflects opportunities and risks in the sector.

To support the review, a member survey has been created to gather views and feedback on the current standard, focusing on areas that require revisions, additions, or that are functioning well. You can share your feedback to this survey here before 31 July 2024.

Additionally, we have commissioned a UK consumer survey targeting recent home buyers to gain invaluable insights into their home survey experiences.

The results from both these surveys will inform where improvements can be made to the standard and then we will launch a formal public consultation on the updated standard draft. Any changes to the standard will be subject to approval from the Knowledge and Practice Committee and the Standards and Regulation Board.

Member survey

The 1st edition - information

The RICS Home survey standard that came into effect on 1 March 2021 is the best practice benchmark in promoting and enforcing the highest standards in the residential sector.

This standard integrates insights from RICS professionals, cross-industry stakeholders and consumers.

The Home survey standard aims to:

Establish a clear framework that sets minimum expectations to protect and maintain consistent and high-quality standards in residential property survey services that RICS members and regulated firms provide.
Provide mandatory requirements for RICS members and regulated firms in the UK who conduct residential property surveys.

The standard and its associated reports offer numerous benefits, including:

The ability to highlight your findings in a way that is easily understood by your clients with the traffic light condition ratings system.
Offering a clear report structure.
Providing an impartial property assessment by RICS, updated to adhere to the Home survey standard and ensures that it maintains the benchmark for best practice.