New house survey launched by fledgling rival to RICS

A new survey has been launched by the Residential Property Surveyors Association.

The RPSA - which wants to rival the RICS as an authoritative survey supplier - describes it as “the industry’s highest and clearest residential survey standards aimed at independent practitioners and home buyers.”

The RPSA says that the new guidance, based on a single standard of comprehensive inspection, supporting a two-tier report structure, is clearer for consumers and sets a benchmark for independent surveyors.

The association says that unlike traditional surveys - which offer multiple levels of inspection and reports, making consumers choose how much of the property they want inspected - the new standards are based on a single full inspection model, with either ‘light’ or ‘heavy’ reporting levels.

The new Survey Inspection and Reporting Standards require surveyors to check the operation of every window, every tap and every toilet as well as looking for issues such as damp, rot or subsidence. 

Reports include information about environmental concerns, flooding, broadband, conveyancing issues, and feature multiple photographs.

Alan Milstein, RPSA chairman, says: “The RPSA has identified a clear opportunity for independent surveyors to highlight their USP of offering home buyers a clear, simple and professional message.”

He continues: “Multi-level inspection standards are confusing for consumers and inevitably lead to disappointment and frustration. A single comprehensive inspection standard facilitates two survey report levels targeted more closely to the type of home being purchased, and a more relevant and satisfying experience for the consumer”.

And he adds: “Based on a simple message of being thorough and comprehensive, these standards give independent surveyors the opportunity to highlight a clear point of differentiation within the market, and help the decision-making process for buyers faced with an unfamiliar and all-too confusing process.

“This is a great opportunity for the independent surveyor to distance themselves from other providers in the market and to be ‘loud and proud’ about the quality experience they can deliver to home buyers.”