This summer, the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE) will launch its newly developed Residential Surveyor Section (RSS), an important initiative set to redefine professional recognition for residential surveyors.
The Residential Property Surveying Association (RPSA) have worked closely with CABE to create a clear and credible route for experienced residential surveyors to prove competence. This initiative marks a significant shift in the industry, establishing a streamlined pathway that recognises technical competence, professional integrity, and industry experience.
What is the RSS?
CABE’s RSS is designed to provide residential surveyors with an additional level of competence assessment, setting them apart in a competitive marketplace. Built around robust competence standards and qualifications, it will offer clients – whether homeowners, landlords, or commercial clients – the confidence that they are appointing technically competent professionals working within a solid ethical framework.
The section will feature three membership levels aligned with CABE Membership levels:
| RSS Membership Level | Mapped Against CABE Membership Grade |
| Technician Residential Surveyor | Technician (Tech CABE) |
| Associate Residential Surveyor | Associate (ACABE) |
| Residential Surveyor | Chartered Member (MCABE) |
...
This framework will provide a structured and accessible route to CABE Chartered Membership, in a way that might not have previously felt accessible to residential surveyors within CABE’s membership.
The RSS level descriptors will sit after your name and serve as a mark of professional validation to clients and peers alike.
How Was the RSS Developed?
The RSS has been developed through a close and collaborative effort between CABE, RPSA and Sava with valuable input from independent surveyors. Sava has supported the development of the framework and competence standards. The Section has a dedicated Steering Group made of up of technical experts and representatives from the Residential Property Surveyors Association (RPSA) alongside independent surveyors, existing to strategise and implement the best decisions for the residential surveyor subset.
RPSA’s Commitment to Residential Surveying.
The RPSA remains dedicated to supporting independent surveyors, actively participating in the CABE Residential Surveyor Section steering group to enhance professional opportunities and elevate industry standards. This collaboration is a strategic alliance, not a merger. The RPSA's core mission – championing independent surveyors, providing practical support, and ensuring their voices are heard – remains central.
By contributing directly to the CABE steering group, we ensure residential surveying perspectives shape the profession's future, driving standards and fostering clearer professional recognition.
Who Can Join the RSS?
Joining the RSS requires a CABE Membership grade of equal level or above, as the eligibility criteria mirrors CABE membership.
Eligibility criteria and application pathways for the RSS are in final development stages at CABE, and will ultimately cover:
How can I join the RSS
RPSA members will be invited to apply to join the RSS. Full details for pathway application processes and eligibility criteria will be disclosed in due course – we are still working in partnership with CABE on what this will look like for our members.
In line with CABE Membership, RSS membership will include some form of assessment – the extent of assessment required will depend on any previous competence assessment already completed by the applicant, either through CABE Membership pathways or accredited qualifications.
Generally speaking, section applicants should expect to be asked to submit 3-5 sample reports plus competence statements as part of the assessment process, as well as being required to take part in an interview.
Why This Matters.
This is a genuine game-changer for the industry. This move not only elevates professional standards but also increases consumer confidence in the residential surveying sector.
Next Steps.
RPSA members will soon be invited to apply to join the RSS. Further details on the application process and eligibility criteria will be announced in due course.
For now, we are directing our members to register their interest in the Section by emailing
rss@rpsa.org.uk
This will allow us to update you on final application pathways, eligibility, and all launch details as they become available.
On 25th October 2022 the RPSA issued a press release HERE
The Residential Property Surveyors Association RPSA has today launched the industry’s first-ever new-build snagging standards for surveyors.
Introduced at their annual Conference, the snagging standards are the culmination of a 2-year industrywide consultation and represent a major step forwards in consumer rights when buying a new build property.
Launching the New-build Survey Inspection & Reporting Standards (NIRS) at their annual conference at the National Space Centre in Leicester, RPSA Chairman, Alan Milstein, said “this is a first for the surveying industry, and a major step forwards in supporting buyers of new homes, many of whom have suffered at the hands of uncooperative builders.
In the past, buyers have often been refused access to independent advice about the condition and quality of their newly constructed home. By working to standards which have been consulted on by the whole industry, the new RPSA document set a benchmark for surveyors, that can be trusted by builders, warranty providers and, most important of all, consumers.
With the proposed introduction of a New Homes Ombudsman, the New-build Survey Inspection & Reporting Standards provide a clear signpost for consumers who can be confident that an RPSA surveyor will be delivering a report that will be recognised and actioned by their builder.”
The RPSA says that reports suggest at least 94%* of buyers experience “snags” with their new home, but, surprisingly, until today’s launch, there have been no recognised standards for surveyors to work to when inspecting and reporting on new-build property. This “wild-west” approach has led to builders refusing site access to surveyors, many fearing a reporting regime that has been too inconsistent to rely upon.
Milstein explained “I’m proud that the RPSA are leading the industry by setting clear standards for snagging inspections. We want to empower consumers to have access to the highest standards in all our surveying activities, and the issue of new-build quality has been a priority for us to tackle.”
RPSA members have access to the new standards, and consumers can access snagging inspections based on the new standards, via the Association’s newly redesigned website www.rpsa.org.uk, also launched at the “Reach for the Stars” Conference in Leicester on 10th November.
