How To Become a Surveyor in The UK

October 4 2025 - A career as a surveyor in the UK can be rewarding, offering a mix of technical knowledge, problem-solving, and client interaction.

Surveyors are specialists in land, buildings, and property, and their advice is vital in construction, development, and property management. In 2023, over 100,000 people were employed in surveying roles across the UK, showing the demand for skilled professionals in this sector.

To become a surveyor, most people start by studying a relevant subject at university or through an accredited course.

Popular degrees include building surveying, quantity surveying, or real estate. These courses usually take three years full-time, although some universities offer four-year programmes with a placement year. For those already working in property or construction, part-time courses and apprenticeships provide another route into the profession.

Surveyor Qualifications and Training

Professional qualifications are essential for long-term career growth. The most widely recognised is the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) accreditation. To achieve this, graduates must complete the Assessment of Professional Competence, which normally takes two years of structured training after completing a degree.

Not every surveyor follows the same path. Some start with HNDs, diplomas, or foundation degrees in construction or property, then progress into professional qualifications through work-based experience. Apprenticeships in surveying are also becoming popular, especially for younger people who want to earn while they learn.

Different Types of Surveyor Roles

Surveying is a broad field with many specialisms. Building surveyors assess the condition of properties, identify defects, and advise on repairs or renovations. Quantity surveyors focus on the financial side of construction, managing budgets and costs. Land surveyors measure land and boundaries, which is essential for new developments.

Party wall surveyors specialise in disputes between neighbours when construction work affects shared walls or boundaries. This is a growing area in busy UK cities, where new building projects are often close to existing homes. Valuation surveyors, on the other hand, focus on property values for sales, mortgages, or investments.

This variety means there is a surveying role to suit people with different skills and interests, whether they enjoy technical detail, managing finances, or working closely with clients.

What Are Typical Surveyor Salaries and Career Prospects?

Salaries for surveyors in the UK vary depending on experience and specialism. A graduate surveyor can expect to start on around £25,000 to £30,000 per year. With a few years of experience and professional accreditation, salaries rise quickly to between £40,000 and £55,000.

Senior surveyors and those in management roles can earn £65,000 or more, with some chartered surveyors in London and senior corporate positions making upwards of £80,000. A report in 2022 showed that chartered surveyors earned on average 35% more than those without accreditation, underlining the importance of gaining qualifications.

How Do Surveyors Overlap with Property Managers?

Surveyors and property managers often work closely together. A property manager might oversee the day-to-day running of buildings, ensuring tenants are happy and maintenance is carried out, but there are no legal qualifications required to be a property manager. A surveyor, meanwhile, may be called in to inspect structural issues, value a property, or advise on long-term investments.

In some cases, professionals carry out both roles, particularly in smaller firms or in residential property management. Understanding both surveying and management can make a candidate more attractive to employers, as it provides a broader skill set.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Surveyor?

The time it takes depends on the route chosen. A traditional university degree plus professional training takes about five years in total. For those starting with apprenticeships or part-time study, the process may be longer, but they gain valuable work experience along the way.

This flexibility is one of the reasons surveying continues to attract new entrants. With strong salaries, varied career paths, and opportunities across the UK, becoming a surveyor remains a solid choice for people interested in property, construction, and land.

The Future of Surveying

As cities grow and housing demand increases, the role of the surveyor is more important than ever. From advising on sustainability and energy efficiency to resolving disputes and managing costs, surveyors play a key role in shaping the built environment. With clear training routes, strong earning potential, and opportunities for specialisation, the profession offers long-term security and career satisfaction.

• More career articles