The residential surveying world is about to see an important development. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has announced that its Home Survey Standards (HSS) will soon undergo a public consultation this August, a move that could shape the future of home surveys in the UK for years to come.
Whether you’re a seasoned chartered surveyor or a newly qualified professional, this is a moment you shouldn’t ignore.
Why a Review, and Why Now?
The HSS, introduced in 2020 and made mandatory in 2021, aimed to provide a single, consistent set of standards for all RICS-regulated home surveys. It brought much-needed clarity to clients and standardised reporting across Level 1, Level 2 (HomeBuyer), and Level 3 (Building Surveys).
But the housing market, and the expectations of buyers, have changed dramatically since then. Rising concerns about building safety, climate resilience, retrofit needs, and material risks (like RAAC or asbestos) have pushed the profession to consider whether the current standards go far enough.
RICS’ upcoming consultation is designed to gather input from surveyors on what’s working, what’s not, and where improvements are needed following a lot of discussion between the working group over the last 12 months.
Key Topics Likely to Be on the Table
While the draft hasn’t been released yet, here are a few areas likely to be under scrutiny:
- Clarity and scope of reporting levels: Are clients truly clear on the difference between Level 2 and Level 3? Are surveyors?
- Inclusion of sustainability and energy efficiency: Should survey reports say more about EPCs, retrofit potential, or climate risk?
- Digital delivery and templates: Are the current standards flexible enough for modern digital reporting tools?
- Managing liability and consumer expectations: How can surveyors be clearer about what is (and isn’t) included in a survey?
- Updates on new risks: With more attention on defective concrete (RAAC), cladding, and damp/ventilation issues, should the standards provide clearer guidance?
Why Your Voice Matters
As a practising residential surveyor, you’re on the front lines. You know where clients get confused, what’s working in the current templates, and where the standards may need to evolve. This consultation is your opportunity to influence how the next generation of home surveys are delivered.
The review won’t just affect templates, it may reshape the training, liability, reporting styles, and technology used across the industry.
What You Should Do Now
- Stay alert: RICS will publish the consultation in August (anticipated). If you’re a regulated member or firm, you’ll likely receive an alert via email.
- Review the current HSS: Now’s a good time to refresh your knowledge of the 2021 standard so you can compare any proposed changes.
- Gather feedback: Think about your recent surveys. What worked? What didn’t? What did clients misunderstand? Make notes.
- Have your say: Once the consultation opens, respond directly or via professional bodies such as SAVA, RPSA, or your local RICS regional group.
Final Thoughts
This upcoming review isn’t just a technical exercise—it’s a chance to shape the tools and standards you use every day. Residential surveying plays a crucial role in helping people make the biggest purchase of their lives. Ensuring the Home Survey Standards are fit for purpose is a collective responsibility.
Let’s make sure the voices of working surveyors are heard.
Stay tuned for updates on the consultation when it launches in August. If you’d like a reminder or a summary of key proposals once it’s live, please email us at enquiries@scafol-io.com or follow our newsletter.
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