By Andrew Lockwood, MRICS on the 18th of October 2025.

When dealing with property, securing the right RICS chartered surveyor is essential. A chartered surveyor (MRICS / FRICS) is a qualified professional, held to globally recognised standards of knowledge, skill, and ethics by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

RICS is a globally recognised professional body for those working in the Built Environment, Construction, Land, Property and Real Estate. It was founded in London in 1868 with the intention of promoting and enforcing the highest standards in the surveying profession. Choosing a RICS chartered surveyor ensures that you’re working with someone who has the necessary knowledge, skills, and ethics to provide reliable and impartial advice.

This guide explores the importance of RICS chartered surveyors and how to choose the best one for your needs so you can make a confident decision for your property.


Things to Consider when Choosing a RICS Chartered Surveyor?

When choosing a RICS chartered surveyor, carefully consider the following factors:

1) Local Knowledge: How long has the surveyor worked in the area and do they have a good understanding of the particular issues which could be affecting your property purchase. In East Anglia this might include awareness and advice surrounding coastal erosion, medieval chalk mining in Norwich city centre, areas of landfill and Japanese Knotweed. This will allow them to offer you the very best advice.

2) Reviews: Check online reviews and read the reviews carefully to get an understanding of what past clients have to say. This helps establish reliability, expertise, service quality and knowledge. What other people think is crucial as some surveying practices rely on the cheapest fee possible to secure business.

3) Discuss Your Needs: Be clear about any specific concerns you have so the surveyor can advise on the right type of survey for you and include a valuation if you need it. 

4) Sample Report: Don't be lured in by a cheap fee. Obtain a sample report from your prospective chartered surveyor prior to instruction. This ensures you understand whether you are getting value for money. You can then compare the content and quality of the report agaisnt the fee and make a more reasoned decision for comitting.


Why Choose a RICS Chartered Surveyor?

1) Impartiality: We ensure clients have full confidence in our advice by remaining impartial and free from any conflicts of interest.

2) Expertise: RICS chartered surveyors have gained qualifications through academic and professional experience and are required to continously update their knowledge and skills.

3) Professional Standards: RICS Professional Standards are mandatory principles and guidelines that govern the ethical conduct, technical competence, and diligence of its members and regulated firms. The standards are principles-based and outcome-focused, ensuring professionals in the built and natural environments meet high levels of integrity and competence

4) Regulation: RICS regulates members to ensure compliance, providing complaints procedures and diciplinary measures to protect consumers and maintain public confidence in the profession.

5) Professional Insurance: RICS chartered surveyors are required to carry professional indemnity insurance and to maintain the relevant cover, protecting the client in case of any errors or omissions.


Why Choose Lockwood Chartered Surveyors?

  • We are a small local practice based in south Norfolk therefore have a broad knowledge of the local area and the different property types and their defects.
  • We have over 15 years experience in the property industry within Norfolk and Suffolk. 
  • We take our time and only work with a few clients per week ensuring a more thorough inspection and a more personable service.
  • We comply with the stringent guidelines set out by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to produce comprehensive and understandable reports.
  • We have a proven record of delivering quality advice to our clients. 
  • We remain on hand to answer queries following receipt of your report. 
  • Our fees are competitive and value based.

Number of reviews corrrect at the time of publishing.