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Building Surveyor

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A Building Surveyor is a professional who specialises in the construction, maintenance, and repair of buildings. They inspect properties to assess their condition, identify any structural issues, and provide advice on repairs, renovations, or legal requirements. Building Surveyors may work on residential, commercial, or industrial properties and often get involved in projects such as property extensions, refurbishments, or new builds. Their duties can include carrying out site inspections, preparing reports, ensuring buildings comply with regulations, and advising clients on construction costs and contracts. This role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a good understanding of building regulations and construction methods. Building Surveyors can work for local authorities, private firms, or as independent consultants.

Building Surveyor

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The average salary for a Building Surveyor in the UK ranges from £25,000 for entry-level roles up to £60,000 or more for experienced professionals.

Job Openings

There are currently over 7,000 Building Surveyor positions advertised annually across the UK.

Qualification Requirements

Most Building Surveyors in the UK hold a degree accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), and over 80 percent become chartered.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Dilapidations Surveyor

Specialises in assessing and reporting on the condition of buildings at the end of a lease, advising on repairs and legal responsibilities.

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Party Wall Surveyor

Focuses on resolving disputes and advising on building work that affects shared walls or boundaries between properties.

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Conservation Building Surveyor

Works on the restoration and preservation of historic buildings, ensuring any changes respect heritage and legal requirements.

Explore the Role of a Building Surveyor

Research the Profession

Learn what building surveyors do, the environments they work in, and the skills required.

You can start by reading about building surveyors on trusted career websites such as Prospects or the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Consider reaching out to local firms or professionals for informational interviews or work experience. Understanding the scope of the role, including the mix of office and site work, is important.

Identify Required Skills and Qualities

Find out which personal qualities and skills are valued in the profession, such as attention to detail, communication, and problem-solving.

Building surveyors need to interpret technical information, communicate findings, and advise clients. You could develop these skills at school through STEM subjects, teamwork activities, and public speaking opportunities.

Gain the Right Education and Experience

Choose Relevant GCSEs and A Levels

Select subjects such as Maths, Science, Geography, and Design and Technology to build a solid foundation.

Strong results in these subjects will help when applying for further education courses. If your school offers work experience placements, try to secure one in construction, architecture, or property.

Complete a Relevant Degree or Apprenticeship

Study for a degree in building surveying or a related field, or apply for a building surveying apprenticeship.

A BSc in Building Surveying is the standard route and is accredited by RICS. Alternatively, higher and degree apprenticeships in building surveying are available and combine work with study, offering a practical route into the profession.

Gain Practical Experience

Seek placements or internships with surveying firms to gain real-world experience.

Many degree courses include a year in industry or placement opportunities. These experiences are valuable for building your CV and making professional contacts.

Achieve Professional Status and Progress Your Career

Work Towards RICS Chartered Membership

After your degree or apprenticeship, work as a trainee surveyor and complete the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) to become a Chartered Surveyor.

Being RICS-accredited is highly regarded and often required for senior roles in the industry. The APC process usually takes about two years and involves supervised work and a final assessment.

Continue Professional Development

Stay up to date with building regulations, technology, and best practice by attending workshops and courses.

RICS and other professional bodies offer ongoing training and networking events. Continuing professional development (CPD) is essential for maintaining your chartered status and advancing your career.

Explore Specialisms and Senior Roles

Consider specialising in areas such as historic building conservation or project management, or move into senior or consultancy roles.

As you gain experience, you can focus on particular sectors, such as commercial, residential, or heritage buildings. With further qualifications and experience, you may move into management, consultancy, or even set up your own practice.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Building Surveyor. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

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Career Progressions

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Sample Qualifications

A Building surveyor most closely matches the career title of Building surveyor, as both roles involve assessing existing structures, ensuring building standards are met, and providing advice on repairs, maintenance, and conservation. They share similar qualifications and professional responsibilities related to building assessment and regulation compliance.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • a graduate training scheme

University

You'll usually need a degree or professional qualification approved by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in a subject like:

  • surveying
  • construction
  • civil engineering
  • building engineering

If you graduated in any other subject, you could do a surveying postgraduate conversion course. These usually lead to a master's degree or postgraduate diploma.

Entry requirements vary, so check with individual universities which degrees might be preferred.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

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Apprenticeship

You could do a chartered surveyor degree apprenticeship.

It may be possible to work towards this role by doing a surveying technician apprenticeship. This will teach you some of the skills and knowledge required. You would then need to take further qualifications to gain chartered surveyor status.

RICS has more information on surveying apprenticeships.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

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Work

If you have a relevant foundation degree or higher national diploma and are working, for example as a surveying technician, you may be able to get more qualifications on the job.

Other Routes

You could do a postgraduate surveying qualification through:

More Information

Registration

Further information

You can find out more about careers in surveying through the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the Chartered Institute of Building.

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