RICS’ new AI rules: what the Responsible Use of AI in Surveying Practice means for homebuyers and landlords in 2026
On 9 March 2026, a regulatory shift quietly took effect that every homebuyer, landlord, and property professional in the UK should know about. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) made its first-ever Professional Standard on artificial intelligence legally binding for all its members and regulated firms worldwide. RICS' new AI rules — what the […]
EWS1, Cladding and External Wall Assessments: What UK Valuation and Building Surveyors Need to Explain to Flat Buyers in 2026
Nearly 3,000 residential buildings in England alone still have unsafe cladding systems requiring remediation as of early 2026 — and every one of those buildings represents a flat buyer who could unknowingly purchase an unmortgageable, unsaleable property without proper surveyor guidance [1]. The stakes could not be higher. Understanding EWS1, cladding and external wall assessments: […]
Kerb Appeal Deficiencies in Building Surveys: Spotting Roof Damage, Paint and Driveway Issues That Cut Buyer Offers
First impressions matter enormously in property transactions. When potential buyers pull up to a property for the first time, they form instant judgments about its condition and value—often before stepping through the front door. In 2026, new survey data from Bespoke Sign House reveals a striking reality: 66% of buyers reduce their offers due to […]
Valuing North vs South Properties in 2026: RICS-Approved Techniques for Widening Regional Price Gaps
The UK property market has reached a pivotal moment in 2026. For the first time in decades, Northern markets are consistently outperforming their Southern counterparts, with RICS data revealing growth rates that have fundamentally shifted the valuation landscape. Properties in Manchester, Leeds, and Newcastle are experiencing unprecedented demand, while traditional Southern hotspots face affordability constraints […]
Homebuyers Survey or Full Structural: What You Need to Know
In the United Kingdom, a homebuyers survey, classified as a level 2 survey by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), offers a more in-depth examination of the property. This detailed inspection is critical for uncovering potential issues, enabling buyers to make good investment decisions. Such surveys are instrumental in identifying structural defects, dampness, and […]
