Surveyors

Written by Rakesh Pandit

Key developments in 2025

The RICS Home Survey Standard which was published in 2019 and came into effect in 2021, sets the benchmark for residential property surveys in the UK. As the housing market and housing-stock evolves, RICS sought to update the Home Survey Standard to meet the modern demands of consumers. On 19 August 2025 a public consultation was launched on the draft 2nd edition of the Home Survey Standard, together with a separate consultation on a potential Home-Surveys Regulatory Scheme.

RICS has undertaken a wide-ranging survey of more than 325 RICS professionals and a consumer survey consisting of over 1,400 homeowners. This extensive feedback has helped inform draft revisions, which are now open for public comment.

Key changes in the 2nd edition include:

• Updated guidance on legal and regulatory requirements relevant to home surveys;
• Clarification on the home-buyer survey levels to improve transparency;
• The option for valuation to be included at any survey level, which extends the scope of surveys beyond condition-based reporting;
• New guidance on additional risk dwellings, such as historic buildings, new builds and retrofit homes to address the diverse range of modern housing stock and specific instructions from consumers; and
• Recognition of technological developments including the use of drone inspections.

RICS are aiming to publish the 2nd edition, following approval, in Q1 of 2026. The Home-Survey Regulatory Scheme is estimated to come into force, if approved, by the end of 2027.

What to look out for in 2026

Pursuant to Awaab’s Law, which came into force for social housing from 27 October 2025, landlords have an obligation to investigate and fix serious hazards within strict statutory timeframes.

The First Phase of Awaab's law looks to address mould, damp and "Emergency Hazards" which are defined as "an imminent and significant risk of harm" to the health or safety of the tenant. An ‘imminent and significant risk of harm’ is defined as "‘a risk of harm to the occupier’s health or safety that a reasonable social landlord with the relevant knowledge would take steps to make safe within 24 hours". Significant damp or mould must be investigated within 14 days and remedied promptly under the regulations.

The scope of hazards will expand with the Second Phase expected in 2026 to address additional hazards such as fire, electrical, hygiene and excess cold. By 2027, most hazards under Housing Health & Safety Rating System will be covered.

It is expected that the Renters Right Act 2025 will serve to extend Awaab’s Law protections through the application of the Decent Homes Standard for privately rented housing. This means that in time private landlords may also be subject to the same hazard-repair obligations as social landlords.

Combined, these reforms aim to transform rental housing in England ensuring that homes are safe, secure and that tenants have enforceable rights to decent conditions. This will place greater obligations on Surveyors and Property Managers to identify these issues and report on them promptly so as to ensure compliance with the strict statutory time limits.