General practice surveyor

General practice surveyors are involved in the management, valuation, buying, selling and development of land and property.

In this guide

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In this role you could:

  • negotiate deals for buying, selling and renting property
  • act as an agent, buying and selling property and land on behalf of clients
  • assess the environmental impact and economic viability of developments
  • value land and property
  • compile reports for valuations, mortgages, rent reviews and investment potential
  • advise on property values, land purchase, tenancy issues and related legislation

Working environment

You could work in an office or on a construction site.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and you'll travel often.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

You could move into management, or a specialist area like auctioning land, property or plant and machinery, or the valuation and auctioning of fine arts and antiques.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • maths knowledge
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • knowledge of geography
  • analytical thinking skills
  • customer service skills
  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
  • legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Most relevant

  • Mathematics - General practice surveyors use maths constantly – calculating property valuations, analysing investment returns, working out rental yields, and assessing the financial viability of developments. They also need to interpret data in reports for mortgages, rent reviews, and market analysis.
  • Geography - General practice surveyors need to understand how location, land use, transport links, and environmental factors affect property values and development potential. They assess the environmental impact of developments and need to read maps, plans, and spatial data as part of their daily work.
  • Business - General practice surveyors negotiate deals for buying, selling, and renting property on behalf of clients, so understanding markets, investment, and commercial decision-making is essential. They also advise on the economic viability of developments, which requires strong business and financial awareness.
  • Economics - General practice surveyors assess property values and investment potential, which depends on understanding supply and demand, interest rates, and broader economic trends. They need to advise clients on how market conditions affect the value of land and property.
  • Law - General practice surveyors advise on tenancy issues, land purchase, and related legislation, so they need a solid understanding of property law and government regulations. They also deal with contracts, leases, and planning permissions as a regular part of their work.

Also relevant

  • English Language - General practice surveyors compile detailed reports for valuations, mortgages, and investment potential that need to be clear and persuasive. They also negotiate deals and communicate complex information to clients, solicitors, and developers, so strong written and spoken communication skills are important.
  • Environmental Science - General practice surveyors assess the environmental impact of proposed developments, including factors like flood risk, contamination, and sustainability. Understanding environmental issues helps them advise clients on whether a site is suitable and what regulations may apply.
  • Design and Technology - General practice surveyors work with technical plans and drawings when assessing properties and development sites. Understanding how buildings are constructed and how to read architectural plans helps them evaluate the condition and potential of a property.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • a graduate training scheme

You'll usually need a degree or professional qualification approved by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors to become a general practice surveyor.

Relevant degrees include:

  • real estate management
  • property development and valuation
  • building surveying
  • quantity surveying and commercial management

If your degree is in a different subject like economics, law or maths, you could take an accredited postgraduate qualification in surveying.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

More Information

You could do a chartered surveyor degree apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

If you have a higher national diploma or foundation degree in surveying or construction, you may be able to work as a surveying technician with a company and take further qualifications to fully qualify.

You could get a postgraduate qualification through a graduate trainee scheme with a company, or through distance learning with the University of the Built Environment.

Registration

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a general practice surveyor from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

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