RICS Surveyors – Why Hiring an RICS Surveyor Adds Value to Your Property Transactions

Why RICS Accreditation Matters in Property

Whether you’re buying, selling, or leasing property, there’s one acronym that consistently carries weight in the industry: RICS.

Short for the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, RICS is the leading professional body for surveyors in the UK. Surveyors who hold this accreditation follow strict codes of conduct, adhere to robust professional standards, and undergo ongoing training to ensure their work is both reliable and legally compliant.

For clients, this means added reassurance that their surveyor is not only competent but backed by an internationally respected institution.

What Does a RICS Surveyor Actually Do?

A RICS-accredited surveyor offers a range of services depending on the type of property and its intended use. This includes:

  • Valuations: For mortgage lending, investment, probate or sales

  • Homebuyer Reports and Building Surveys: For residential purchases

  • Commercial Property Surveys: Including condition reports and schedules of condition

  • Dilapidations Reports: For lease-end negotiations between landlords and tenants

  • Party Wall Advice: Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996

  • Defect Diagnosis: Investigating specific issues like subsidence, damp, or structural movement

At Subvision Surveys, all our RICS work is carried out by fully accredited professionals with local knowledge and a track record in both residential and commercial sectors.

Why Use a RICS Surveyor When Buying Property?

For buyers, particularly in a fast-moving market, instructing a RICS surveyor ensures you’re making a well-informed decision. Here’s how:

  • Impartial Valuations: RICS Registered Valuers work to industry standards (the ‘Red Book’) to provide independent, credible valuations accepted by all major UK mortgage lenders.

  • Condition Surveys: A Level 2 Homebuyer Report or a more detailed Level 3 Building Survey highlights potential structural issues, defects, or legal concerns.

  • Peace of Mind: You’ll know exactly what you’re buying, what repairs are likely to be needed, and whether the asking price is reasonable.

Value for Sellers and Landlords

Sellers and commercial landlords also benefit from instructing a RICS surveyor. Here’s why:

  • Avoid Delays: Pre-sale or pre-let surveys uncover issues before they stall negotiations or sales.

  • Support Legal Compliance: RICS-accredited lease plans and measured surveys meet Land Registry standards and are accepted by solicitors without delay.

  • Enhance Credibility: Buyers and tenants are more likely to proceed when they see documentation from a trusted RICS professional.

Landlords may also require Schedules of Condition or Dilapidations Reports to clarify the condition of a property at the start and end of a lease. These documents are particularly useful in commercial tenancies, helping to avoid costly disputes.

RICS Surveyors and Legal Compliance

RICS surveyors are trained not only in surveying techniques but also in relevant UK legislation, including:

  • The Building Regulations

  • Health & Safety at Work Act 1974

  • Party Wall etc. Act 1996

  • Landlord and Tenant Act 1954

  • Commercial lease obligations

  • Land Registry requirements for lease plans

This legal knowledge means your surveyor can advise on compliance issues early on – saving time, money, and future disputes.

Accepted by Lenders and Solicitors

Most mortgage lenders in the UK only accept valuations and surveys from RICS-accredited professionals. In many cases, solicitors will also request plans or condition reports as part of their legal checks.

RICS reports are trusted because they follow consistent methodology, use clear risk ratings, and are backed by professional indemnity insurance.

What Types of RICS Surveys Are There?

At Subvision, our most requested RICS-accredited services include:

  • Home Survey Level 2 (Homebuyer Report)
     For conventional properties in reasonable condition

  • Home Survey Level 3 (Building Survey)
     For older or unusual properties, or those needing renovation

  • Valuation Reports
     For sales, probate, tax planning, Help to Buy, or shared ownership

  • Commercial Property Surveys
     Including schedules of condition, acquisition surveys, and pre-lease reports

  • Measured Surveys and Lease Plans
     Scaled drawings that meet Land Registry requirements

  • Defect-Specific Reports
     For damp, cracking, subsidence, roof issues, etc.

Every report we produce is tailored, clear, and written with the client in mind, not full of unnecessary jargon.

What Happens If You Don’t Use a RICS Surveyor?

While it’s possible to find cheaper surveying options online, using someone without RICS accreditation can be risky. Without the RICS framework:

  • Reports may not meet lender or solicitor requirements

  • Important issues might be missed or downplayed

  • There is limited recourse if mistakes are made

  • Valuations may be rejected, delaying your transaction

A RICS surveyor provides accountability, transparency, and quality assurance that protects your investment.

Why Choose Subvision Surveys?

We’re not a faceless online company or a one-size-fits-all service. Subvision Surveys offers:

  • RICS-Accredited Expertise

  • Local Knowledge across London, Essex and the South East

  • Clear, Professional Reports

  • Competitive Pricing

  • Quick Turnaround Times

We’re always happy to chat through your options before you commit, whether it’s your first home or your tenth commercial acquisition.

Hiring a RICS-accredited surveyor is one of the most valuable decisions you can make in any property transaction. Whether you’re purchasing a home, leasing office space, or managing a commercial portfolio, a RICS survey gives you confidence, protects your finances, and keeps you on the right side of the law.

Need expert advice or a quote?
 Get in touch with Subvision Surveys today and speak with a qualified RICS surveyor.