Residential Property Surveyors Association - RPSA

11/08/2026

🚨 Surveyors: Don’t fall victim for this phishing scam.
It looks like a normal property enquiry - A buyer, a genuine-looking listing, and detailed questions, then comes the link…

One click can take you to a fake property portal designed to steal your email credentials — potentially giving criminals access to client information, invoices, payment details and years of correspondence.

⚠️ The worrying part? These scams are designed to look convincing.
So, could you spot the warning signs?

👉 Read our latest blog to see exactly how the scam works, what to look out for, and what to do if you’ve already entered your details.

Have you received a suspicious property enquiry like this? Let us know in the comments so others don't fall for this scam.

18/07/2026

Did you know invasive bamboo can cause as much damage as Japanese knotweed, and in some cases even more?

From damaging foundations and drains to causing neighbour disputes and delaying house sales, bamboo is becoming an increasing concern during property transactions.

Our latest blog explains what buyers, sellers and surveyors need to know, plus the key warning signs to watch for.

🌿 Read the full article here: https://www.rpsa.org.uk/blog/invasive-bamboo-is-a-growing-threat-to-property-transactions/

24/06/2026

The UK Government’s proposed homebuying reforms could be the biggest shake-up of the property transaction process in years.

Key changes include:

✅ Upfront sales packs at the point of listing
✅ Earlier binding agreements to reduce fall-throughs
✅ Digital property logbooks, e-signatures and ID checks
✅ AI-assisted conveyancing
✅ New standards, qualifications and a Code of Practice for estate agents

For surveyors, the biggest shift is that property condition information could be required at the point of listing, moving surveys from a late-stage check to a central part of the process from day one.

A positive step towards greater transparency and efficiency, but the detail will matter, particularly in ensuring independent surveyors continue to play a key role.

Read more here: https://www.rpsa.org.uk/news/gov-homebuying-update/

16/06/2026

🏆 The Negotiator Awards 2026 is now open for entries.

Think your surveying business deserves national recognition?

The Negotiator Awards, in association with the RPSA, are open to all residential surveyors, with categories for both independent surveyors and larger firms.

✅ Free to enter

✅ Open to all accredited residential surveyors

✅ National recognition for your business

⏰ Entries close 30 June 2026 – less than two weeks to go.

Don't miss your chance to be recognised among the UK's best surveyors.

Enter now: thenegotiator.co.uk/awards

Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e4GuZZCf

02/06/2026

🚨 Important 🚨 Member Feedback Request – Completion Notice Periods and Inspection Access

The RPSA is keen to understand whether members are encountering recurring issues with developers providing insufficient notice between issuing completion notices and the legal completion date, particularly when this restricts or prevents a pre-completion inspection.

As members will be aware, the New Homes Quality Code generally requires a minimum notice period of 14 calendar days before completion, unless an alternative arrangement has been agreed by both parties.

We are interested in hearing from members who are seeing patterns in which developers routinely leave no realistic opportunity for inspection and independent review before completion. This may include situations where:

-Completion notices are issued with significantly less than 14 days’ notice.
-Inspection appointments cannot be arranged within the timeframe provided.
-Access is refused, delayed or restricted until immediately before completion.

There appears to be a recurring practice by particular developers or sites that limits meaningful pre-completion inspections.

Information such as the developer involved, location, dates, and the practical impact on the inspection process would be particularly helpful.

We are gathering evidence to understand the scale of the issue and whether it represents a wider compliance concern. If a pattern exists, we would want to be aware of it and potentially raise it through the appropriate channels.

If you are experiencing this issue, or any others, either occasionally or as a consistent pattern, please send details and examples to [email protected] - Thank you!

30/05/2026

🚨 Could a survey fee you earned today be reclaimed months later?

Many surveyors are unaware that if a consumer client isn't properly informed of their 14-day cancellation rights before the contract is formed, that right may be extended for up to 12 months.

To help members protect themselves, the RPSA has produced CLI-02 Cancellation, Refunds and Consumer Rights Policy, available in the Useful Documents area of the portal from 1 June 2026.

A few minutes spent reviewing your booking process today could save a fee tomorrow! Learn more here: https://www.rpsa.org.uk/news/the-survey-you-could-end-up-doing-for-nothing/

15/05/2026

Surveyor Live 26 exceeded all expectations...

Yesterday saw the first Surveyor Live take place at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre, and it is fair to say the day exceeded every expectation.

With more than 300 people attending, the event brought together surveyors, accreditations, memberships, heritage specialists, insurers, software providers, technical experts, suppliers and industry colleagues in a spirit of genuine collaboration.

Hosted by RPSA, Skyline Surveyors Ltd and Howden, Surveyor Live was created as a neutral, practical and inclusive event for the profession. From the RPSA point of view, it was a privilege to be part of a day that felt so positive, open and useful.

The speakers were excellent, the discussions were lively, the venue was superb, and the catering was very well received. Most importantly, the room had a real sense of connection, with people meeting, talking, sharing ideas and recognising the value of bringing the wider surveying community together.

A huge thank you goes to everyone who attended, exhibited, spoke, supported and helped make the day such a success. Special thanks also to Alan Milstein, Sean Curtin and Marion Ellis for helping host and guide the event, with Sean doing an outstanding job compering the main stage.

We are delighted to confirm that Surveyor Live will return on 15 April 2027, with the next event planned further north.

Yesterday proved that there is a real appetite for this kind of united, practical and community-led surveying event. This feels like the beginning of something very special.

24/02/2026

Your feedback is needed! ✍

We’re seeing increasing reports of restricted access, time-limited inspections, challenges to professional membership, and pressure to share reports via builder platforms.

The Residential Property Surveyors Association is gathering structured evidence to ensure we respond proportionately and strategically.

Read more here: https://www.rpsa.org.uk/News?bg=102

If you’ve experienced issues in the last 60 days, now is the time to speak up.

📩 Contact Kelly Skidmore MCIOB, MRPSA, AssocRICS: [email protected]

Over recent months, we have received increasing feedback regarding developer behaviour on the site. Several themes are emerging consistently across regions. They concern access, professional standing, communication with homeowners, and control of inspection reports.

19/02/2026

🚨Residential Surveyors🚨 Are you looking for flexible, paid part-time work with real professional credibility?

The English Housing Survey is recruiting in priority areas across England.

You’ll carry out non-intrusive 60-minute dwelling inspections, contributing to national housing data used by government and organisations such as the Bank of England.

✅ Paid 5-day residential training (with CPD)
✅ £144–£170 per survey (+ higher for vacant properties)
✅ 45p per mile mileage
✅ Flexible waves of work across the year

Delivered by CADS Housing Surveys with NatCen and BRE, this is a role you can genuinely be proud to say you do.

Priority locations include parts of Oxfordshire, Devon, Worcestershire, Lincolnshire, Leeds, Leicester, Norwich and West London.

If you’re an experienced housing professional, it’s definitely worth enquiring - Click here to learn more, including how to apply: https://www.rpsa.org.uk/News?bg=103

21/01/2026

RICS signals a shift on home buying reform 🏡

RICS has formally responded to the UK Government’s Home Buying and Selling Reform consultation, signalling support for significant changes to how property information is provided in England and Wales. Including early searches and a professional whole-home condition report, to reduce delays, fall-throughs and consumer stress - Drawing on the Scottish model, it stresses reports must be delivered by qualified, regulated surveyors, with a clear lead-in period (at least 24 months) to avoid market disruption.

The message is clear: reform is welcome, but only if it’s professional, proportionate and properly implemented.

📖 Read more to see how this may affect Residential Surveyors and the housing market as a whole: https://www.rpsa.org.uk/News?bg=100