Becoming a Qualified Surveyor in the UK: Qualifications and Specialized Pathways Explored
A career in surveying offers good job security, especially with the UK's ongoing demand for housing and infrastructure. For those interested in this field, becoming a Chartered Surveyor is a respected and rewarding path. Here's a guide on how to become a Chartered Surveyor, with a focus on specialising in party wall surveying.
To begin, one must complete a degree in surveying, construction, or real estate and then undertake the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) scheme. This two-year programme involves practical experience and various technical and professional assessments. Upon passing the final assessment, one becomes a Chartered Surveyor (MRICS), a mark of trust and expertise in the industry.
For those interested in party wall surveying, additional training is recommended. This includes short courses or seminars specifically covering the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 and related dispute resolution processes. Joining professional organizations like the Pyramus & Thisbe Club is also advised, as this group supports surveyors specialising in party wall work with resources, networking, and continuous professional development opportunities.
Key competencies for party wall surveying include a solid understanding of construction, property law, and dispute resolution, as well as report writing and inspection skills. While chartered status is not legally required to act as a party wall surveyor, possessing it or equivalent expertise helps demonstrate competence in these areas, which are crucial for this role.
As a party wall surveyor, one deals with disputes or agreements between neighbours when building work affects a shared wall or boundary. The average UK salary for a Chartered Surveyor is around £55,000 per year, with junior surveyors starting at £25,000-£30,000, with the potential for rapid salary growth with experience. Party wall surveyors, particularly those in London, can earn £60,000 or more, depending on the volume and complexity of work.
Going solo as a surveyor can offer the ability to set one's own rates and choose clients, potentially leading to higher earnings. However, it may feel isolating or risky without a strong client base. Over 70% of surveying professionals in the UK are members of RICS, demonstrating the value of gaining chartered status and the recognition it can lead to better job prospects and higher earning potential.
In summary, becoming a Chartered Surveyor in the UK is a respected profession with varied work and opportunities to specialise, but it can also be demanding, especially when dealing with disputes or managing complex legal issues. With the right training and competencies, a career in surveying, and specialising in party wall surveying, can lead to a successful, rewarding career.
- To bolster one's career potential as a party wall surveyor, pursuing skills training in construction, property law, dispute resolution, report writing, and inspection is essential.
- A well-rounded education-and-self-development plan for a career in surveying, specifically party wall surveying, should include ongoing learning opportunities and membership in professional organizations like the Pyramid & Thisbe Club for career-development and continuous professional development.
