The Intermediary – April 2025 - Flipbook - Page 19
RESIDENTIAL
Opinion
Raising standards
in surveying
A
s cases become more
complex, customer
expectations rise and
lenders manage risk
closely, surveying
can directly impact
the success of a transaction, and the
wider health of the property chain.
Whether you’re a broker trying to
keep a client on track, a lender looking
for confidence, or a borrower making
one of the biggest commitments of
your life, you need to be sure the
information is accurate, timely and
consistent. Professional surveying can
make a real difference.
Accountability
Surveyors are part of a wider process,
where what they say can have a
significance influence the outcome
of a transaction. It maers that
decisions are based on clear evidence,
local knowledge, accountability
and sound judgement. Technology
has an increasing role to play here.
Tools like our newly launched
automated risk management solution,
QualityShield, remove some of the
more time-consuming manual admin
tasks, allowing surveyors to focus on
complex issues where their expertise
makes a real difference.
Nevertheless, systems can support
a decision, but they can’t make a call
in the same way a trained surveyor
can. The combination of automation
and qualified, professional judgement
is seing the benchmark for best
practice – enabling experts to do their
best work, while creating a culture
where high standards are maintained.
Training new talent
The future of the profession depends
on how we bring through new talent.
The pipeline needs strengthening, not
just in terms of numbers but diversity
of background and experience.
Structured schemes like our
AssocRICS training programme make
a difference. Our most recent intake
includes nine trainees, six of whom
are women, much higher than the
industry average. Many come from
roles in energy assessment, leings
MATTHEW CUMBER
is managing director
at Countrywide
Surveying Services
and property sales, bringing a broader
perspective. This strengthens the
industry’s ability to meet changing
needs, by bringing in people who
understand different parts of the
property market and are willing to
learn and grow.
For brokers, a more consistent,
professional surveying process means
fewer delays and less firefighting. For
lenders, it brings more confidence
in valuations and home condition
reports, backed by beer data and
stronger oversight. For customers, the
result is a beer, smoother experience,
where decisions are made fairly, and
issues are flagged early.
Surveying might not always be the
most visible part of the process. But
when done well, it helps everything
else run more smoothly. That’s
something worth investing in. ●
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April 2025 | The Intermediary
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