What is a chartered surveyor and what do they do?

If you’re planning to buy a property, you’ll want to understand its overall condition, including if any issues need fixing. 

This is where a chartered surveyor or surveyor is useful. 

We explore what these roles are, their responsibilities, and the key differences between them. 

What is a chartered surveyor, and what do they do? 

Chartered surveyors have a range of responsibilities, which can vary depending on the area they specialise in within the land, property, and construction sectors. 

They will usually compile a report for you based on their assessment of a property and its issues, including any major defects or structural problems. 

A chartered surveyor is a surveyor who is highly skilled in their specific area of expertise. 

This is recognised by formal accreditation from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). 

We’ll explore the key differences in detail in the next section. 

Some of the key responsibilities of a surveyor include: 

• Providing valuations for properties, including residential homes. 
• Examining properties for structural defects or issues and highlighting necessary repairs or alterations. 
• Compiling a report on a property and collecting data on a specific piece of land, including features and boundaries. 
• Compiling a report on the impact of any engineering or development works. 
• Providing advice on construction and addressing environmental issues. 

They can also help construction companies with the following: 

• Managing relationships between many parties involved in a building project. 
• Ensuring the finances of any projects are accurately reported. 

What is the difference between a surveyor and a chartered surveyor? 

The main difference between a surveyor and a chartered surveyor is the skill level, expertise, and qualifications. 

Chartered surveyors are regulated by RICS. They must also have the necessary qualifications and experience and pass the assessment of professional competence (APC). 

However, once chartered surveyors are qualified, their professional development doesn’t end there. They must also pursue continued professional development (CPD) to ensure they work to the highest standards. 

According to RICS, only members and fellows can call themselves chartered surveyors, so the best way to find one is through RICS. 

A surveyor may have relevant qualifications, expertise and experience, but it won’t be as in-depth as a chartered surveyor. 

Why is a chartered surveyor useful? 

Chartered surveyors conduct a range of home surveys that are accredited by RICS. 

These are: 

• Level 1: This is usually the cheapest survey and describes the property's condition, including any risks, possible legal issues, and significant defects. This survey may not advise on managing defects, estimated costs, or how issues may develop. 
• Level 2: You get more detailed information and advice regarding any major defects and possible repairs. You can choose to get a valuation along with this report and an insurance reinstatement figure so you can get the correct amount of cover. 
• Level 3: This is typically the most expensive but most comprehensive report, as it offers an in-depth analysis of the property and advice on significant defects and repairs. 

The right survey for you depends on the type of property you’re planning to buy. You should consider a higher-level survey if you have a large, old, or run-down property or one that has undergone a lot of work. 

This can be useful if you discover that repairs will cost you thousands of pounds, as you may be able to use this to get a discount on the property you plan to buy. 

Alternatively, a home survey could save you even more and prompt you to back out of the deal if it’ll be too much to handle in terms of investment and time. 

How do you find a chartered surveyor? 

As chartered surveyors are accredited by RICS, one of the best ways to find one is to use the ‘Find a Surveyor’ tool. 

You can search by location or the company name you’re interested in. 

Any firms that appear should have a ‘RICS regulated badge’ and have information about the services they provide, as well as contact details. 

Companies regulated by RICS must follow its rules of conduct and meet higher standards, including training, professional indemnity insurance, and complaint handling. 

Need help with the homebuying process? 

Buying a home is a huge and expensive commitment, which usually takes months to complete. 

So, it’s vital that you buy a home that doesn’t have any nasty surprises that’ll cost a fortune to repair. 

However, getting a home survey is only one aspect you need to consider – you also need to find the right mortgage. 

Unbiased can quickly connect you with a qualified mortgage broker who can find the most competitive mortgage for your unique circumstances.