What is a Chartered Surveyor?

Having your property surveyed is a crucial step in the property-buying process. A thorough home survey or building survey can uncover any flaws in the property and help determine if it is a sound investment. Therefore, the expertise of the professional conducting the survey is vital. You may have heard the term chartered surveyor, but the difference between chartered and non-chartered surveyors is not always clear. Understanding it matters for homeowners, prospective buyers and industry professionals alike. This article explains what a chartered surveyor is, how RICS accreditation works, the scope of their work, and the benefits of using one.

If you’re looking for a detailed breakdown of RICS Home Surveys, check out this complete guide.

What is a chartered surveyor?

A chartered surveyor is a professional who has met the rigorous standards set by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). RICS is a globally recognised professional body that promotes and enforces high international standards in land, real estate, construction and infrastructure. To become a chartered surveyor, an individual must undergo extensive education, gain structured practical experience, and pass a professional assessment.

In practice, when a firm describes its people as chartered surveyors, it is telling you they hold RICS membership and work to RICS rules. That covers the qualification behind the person, the standards their reports must meet, and the insurance and complaints route that sit behind the work.

What is a non-chartered surveyor?

A non-chartered surveyor may still provide valuable services in surveying but does not hold the same level of qualification or membership with RICS. While non-chartered surveyors can possess significant experience and expertise, they have not undergone the formal assessment process required for chartered status.

This does not mean their work has no value. It means there is less formal oversight behind it, and no RICS regulator to turn to if something goes wrong.

Key differences between chartered and non-chartered surveyors

Qualification and accreditation

Chartered surveyors have completed a RICS-accredited degree or diploma, followed by a period of structured professional development known as the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC). This rigorous process ensures they meet the high standards required by RICS. You can find out more about the qualifications associated with RICS surveyors here.

Non-chartered surveyors may have varying levels of education and experience. They might hold degrees in related fields or have acquired their skills through practical experience alone. However, they have not undergone the formal RICS accreditation process, which means they cannot carry out surveying work where an RICS surveyor is legally required (as in Help to Buy valuations, for example).

Professional standards and ethics

As members of RICS, chartered surveyors are bound by a strict code of ethics and professional conduct. They must adhere to high standards of practice, ensuring integrity, impartiality and accountability in their work. Importantly, this is ongoing, as RICS keeps reviewing and, when necessary, updating its practices, policies and ethical codes.

While non-chartered surveyors may also follow ethical guidelines, they are not regulated by RICS. This means there is less formal oversight and fewer guarantees around adherence to standardised practices.

Expertise

Chartered surveyors are qualified to undertake a wide range of surveying tasks across various sectors, including residential, commercial and industrial properties. Their expertise covers property valuations, building surveys, land development, project management and more.

The scope of work for non-chartered surveyors can be more limited in some circumstances. While they may perform many of the same tasks, their qualifications and expertise might not be as comprehensive or recognised by the same breadth of clients and institutions. This is particularly noticeable where RICS surveyors are required by law.

Professional reputation

The designation of "chartered" is widely recognised and respected in the industry. Clients, including banks, insurance companies and legal entities, often prefer or require chartered surveyors for valuations, reports and certifications, due to the trust and reliability associated with RICS accreditation. This is usually because reports produced by RICS-regulated surveyors must also adhere to regulated guidelines.

Non-chartered surveyors can still offer reliable services, but they may not carry the same level of market recognition. Some clients may be hesitant to rely on their assessments, particularly for high-stakes transactions or legal matters.

What are the benefits of hiring a chartered surveyor?

To recap, these are some of the differences between a chartered surveyor and a non-chartered surveyor that make using a chartered surveyor worthwhile.

Chartered surveyors possess a high level of technical knowledge and practical experience, which supports accurate and reliable assessments. Whether you need a property valuation, a building survey, or advice on a construction project, that experience is valuable. As members of RICS, chartered surveyors have to keep up with local and national regulations, along with any changes to them.

From initial surveys to project completion, chartered surveyors offer a wide range of services. Their approach considers all aspects of a property or project. By working to RICS standards, their reporting is intended to be thorough, impartial and in line with industry best practice.

Furthermore, RICS status tends to add credibility to reports and valuations, and it is often the preferred accreditation for lending and legal purposes. This matters most for transactions involving financing, insurance or legal disputes, where an authoritative assessment counts.

When to choose a chartered surveyor over a non-chartered surveyor

While both chartered and non-chartered surveyors can offer valuable services, there are specific scenarios where using a chartered surveyor is particularly beneficial.

High-value transactions

For property purchases, sales or investments involving significant sums, the precision and trustworthiness of a chartered surveyor’s valuation can make a substantial difference.

Legal disputes

In cases of legal disputes, boundary issues or compliance with building regulations, the expertise and formal recognition of a chartered surveyor are often essential.

Large or complex projects

For large-scale construction or development projects, the comprehensive knowledge and project management skills of a chartered surveyor support smooth execution and adherence to timelines and budgets.

Financing and insurance

Financial institutions and insurance companies frequently require reports and valuations from chartered surveyors to secure loans or determine coverage.

Chartered surveyor and home surveys

For most buyers, the practical question is not the theory of accreditation but which survey to book and who should carry it out. An RICS-regulated surveyor can carry out a Level 2 home survey or a Level 3 building survey, and can add a valuation where you need one.

If you are weighing up which level fits the property, the tool below runs through a few questions and gives a straight recommendation, including when a Level 2 is enough.

The distinction between chartered and non-chartered surveyors is crucial in understanding the value and assurance each brings. Chartered surveyors, with their qualifications, adherence to high standards and broad expertise, offer clear benefits in the property and construction sectors. Whether you are a property owner, buyer or industry professional, recognising the difference between the two can help you make informed decisions.

Frequently asked questions

What is a chartered surveyor?

A chartered surveyor is a property professional who holds membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). To reach that status, they complete an RICS-accredited qualification, a period of structured experience, and a professional assessment. In practice it means their work is regulated, insured, and held to a published code of conduct.

Is a chartered surveyor the same as an RICS surveyor?

In everyday use, yes. "Chartered surveyor" and "RICS surveyor" both point to a surveyor who is a member of RICS and works to its standards. When you choose a firm, the thing to check is that the surveyor is RICS-regulated for the type of work you need. You can read more in Is my surveyor qualified?.

Do I need a chartered surveyor to buy a house?

You are not legally required to have any survey to buy a house, but we recommend one. For a home purchase, using an RICS-regulated surveyor means the report follows RICS standards and there is a clear route if a problem arises. Some work, such as a Help to Buy valuation, must be done by an RICS-registered surveyor. See do I need a survey when buying a house? for more.

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

The main difference is regulation. A chartered surveyor is a member of RICS and works to its code, carries professional indemnity insurance, and answers to the regulator. A non-chartered surveyor may have real experience but sits outside that framework, so there is less formal oversight behind their work.