What’s it like being a Chartered Surveyor?
I’m often asked what I do for a living, and what’s it like being a Chartered Surveyor? So here goes, writes Zah Azeem, Partner at Wimbledon based Chartered Surveyors, Scrivener Tibbatts.
A career as a chartered surveyor involves a variety of responsibilities related to the assessment, valuation, management, and development of properties and land. Chartered Surveyors are trained professionals who provide expert advice to individuals, businesses, and organizations in the real estate and construction industries. Our work encompasses several key areas, including:
Valuation: Chartered Surveyors assess the value of properties and land for various purposes, such as buying, selling, taxation, or insurance. They use their expertise to determine the market value of these assets.
Building Surveying: They inspect and assess the condition of buildings, identifying any defects, structural issues, or necessary repairs. This is crucial for property buyers, sellers, and owners.
Quantity Surveying: Quantity Surveyors are involved in cost estimation, budgeting, and financial management of construction projects. They ensure projects stay within budget and oversee cost control.
Land and Property Management: Surveyors may manage and maintain properties on behalf of property owners, handling lease agreements, rent collection, and property maintenance.
Planning and Development: They may be involved in planning and development projects, helping clients navigate the regulatory and legal requirements for land use and development.
Real Estate Investment: Surveyors may provide advice to clients on real estate investment strategies, including identifying potential investment opportunities and assessing their viability.
Environmental and Sustainability Consulting: Increasingly, with the rise in Environmental, Sustainability and governance (ESG metrics) surveyors are at the forefront of environmental assessments and sustainability in construction and property management.
Chartered Surveyors can work in various sectors, including real estate agencies, property management companies, construction firms, government agencies, and as independent consultants, such as us, here at Scrivener Tibbatts. To become a Chartered Surveyor, individuals typically need to complete a relevant degree, gain professional experience, and become a member of a professional organization like the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) in the UK.
As for the number of chartered surveyors, it can vary by region and country, but there are thousands of chartered surveyors worldwide. The exact number would depend on factors such as the demand for surveying services in a given area.
Regarding job satisfaction, this can vary from person to person. Some individuals find a career as a Chartered Surveyor to be highly satisfying because it offers a combination of intellectual challenge, varied work, opportunities for specialization, and the potential for good financial rewards. It can also be rewarding to help clients make informed decisions about real estate and property-related matters. However, like any career, job satisfaction can also depend on factors such as work-life balance, the specific role, and the employer. It’s advisable to research the profession, talk to practicing surveyors, and consider your own interests and skills to determine if it’s a good fit for you.
In England, the profession of a chartered surveyor is regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Here’s an overview of the profession in England, along with the range of salaries both pre-qualification and post-qualification:
Pre-Qualification
Graduate Trainee: As a graduate trainee or entry-level surveyor with little to no experience, your salary can vary depending on the specific role and location within England. Entry-level salaries can range from £20,000 to £30,000 per year, but this can vary significantly based on factors like the employer, location, and the demand for surveyors in the region.
Trainee Surveyor: As you gain experience and progress in your training, you can expect a gradual increase in your salary. Trainee surveyors may earn between £25,000 and £35,000 per year. Again, the actual salary can vary.
Post-Qualification
After achieving chartered status, which typically requires several years of experience and passing the RICS assessment, your earning potential as a chartered surveyor increases significantly. The following are approximate salary ranges for chartered surveyors in England:
Chartered Surveyor (General Practice): Chartered surveyors in general practice, who provide a wide range of property-related services, can earn salaries ranging from £35,000 to £60,000 or more per year. Those with specialized expertise or extensive experience can earn even higher salaries.
Chartered Building Surveyor: Building surveyors focus on assessing the condition of buildings and may earn salaries in the range of £40,000 to £70,000 per year. Experienced and specialized building surveyors can earn more.
Chartered Quantity Surveyor: Quantity surveyors are involved in cost management for construction projects. Their salaries can vary widely depending on the complexity of the projects they manage. Entry-level quantity surveyors may earn around £35,000 to £45,000 per year, while experienced chartered quantity surveyors can earn well above £60,000 per year.
Chartered Valuation Surveyor: Valuation surveyors specialize in property valuation. Their salaries typically range from £40,000 to £70,000 or more per year, depending on their experience and the complexity of valuations they handle.
Real Estate Investment and Management: Professionals in this field may earn salaries similar to general practice surveyors, with potential earnings in the range of £35,000 to £60,000 or more per year, depending on their specialization and experience.
It’s important to note that these salary ranges are approximate and can vary based on factors such as location (London tends to have higher salaries), the size and prestige of the employer, and market demand. Additionally, chartered surveyors who establish their own consultancy or work as independent consultants have the potential to earn significantly higher incomes, but this comes with the challenges and risks of running a business.
Overall, becoming a Chartered Surveyor in England can lead to a rewarding and financially satisfying career, especially as you gain experience and specialize in a particular field within surveying. If you would like to discuss working as a surveyor, or something related to a property valuation, please contact me direct via email at zah@scrivenertibbatts.co.uk or call 020 8947 7040.
