When people ask what I do for a living, my response, “I’m a commercial surveyor,” often elicits a nod of understanding, quickly followed by, “Oh, so you’re an estate agent…. I don’t like estate agents.” It’s a common misconception, but one that highlights a broader issue of public perception and understanding of what we actual do as surveyors. Being a commercial surveyor, especially one who is MRICS qualified, is fundamentally different from being an estate agent, and the distinctions are significant both in terms of professional responsibilities and ethical standards.
One of the most frustrating aspects of this confusion is the stark contrast in accountability and ethical standards between the two professions. Estate agents are often perceived, not without reason, as bending the truth on rental adverts. Glossing over fewer desirable aspects of a property, exaggerating features, and occasionally making outright false claims. Everyone reading this article has highly likely been scrolling through rental properties, seen an advert for a three-bed property, but upon inspection, there’s always that mix of amusement and frustration that the third bedroom is in fact a wardrobe…These practices, while not universal, are common enough to tarnish the reputation of the profession.
In stark contrast, as a commercial surveyor (especially an MRICS-qualified one) my work adheres to stringent ethical guidelines and professional standards. If I were to lie or even slightly misrepresent facts in a valuation report, I would be held legally accountable and could face severe professional consequences, including being sued. The integrity of my work is paramount, as it directly influences investment decisions, financial reports, and legal outcomes. The public and businesses rely on our reports to be accurate and impartial.
The MRICS designation is a hallmark of excellence and professionalism in the property and construction sectors. It signifies a high level of education, extensive training, and a commitment to ongoing professional development. To become MRICS qualified, you must pass rigorous examinations and demonstrate a high standard of practice in their field. However, this significant qualification often goes unrecognised by the general public. But is this our fault?
The lack of public awareness about what MRICS means is both a concern and source of frustration that I didn’t truly understand until I joined the industry. The designation differentiates us from other property professionals by ensuring that our work is performed to the highest ethical and professional standards. Yet, this distinction is often lost on those outside the industry, leading to a general misunderstanding of our role and capabilities.
I can’t blame the general public though. Part of the blame for this misunderstanding lies with us, the professionals within the industry. We have not done enough to educate the public about the role of a commercial surveyor and the significance of MRICS. We tend to operate within our professional circles, assuming that the public understands our qualifications and the importance of our work. Clearly, this is not the case. Now if we were working in MI5, I could understand the secrecy, but when every person in the UK relies on the built environment every single day of their lives, I think everyone should have a good understanding of what we actually do.
To bridge this knowledge gap, we need to be more proactive in our public engagement. This could involve increasing public outreach through hosting seminars, workshops, and informational sessions to educate the public about what commercial surveyors do and the importance of the MRICS designation. Adding a line of clear communication, when explaining our roles to clients and the public, we should emphasise the rigorous standards and ethical guidelines we adhere to, and how these differ from other property professions. We should be using media platforms to highlight our work, showcase successful projects, and explain the impact of our valuations and surveys on the economy and society. But, not making overly business-focused LinkedIn posts such as “What Jude Bellingham’s goal at the Euros taught me about West End office agency.”
To bring what might seem like a passionate rant to a conclusion being mistaken for an estate agent is more than a minor annoyance; it reflects a broader issue of public misunderstanding about the distinct and critical role of commercial surveyors. I don’t sell properties, drive around in sponsored cars, and spam you with calls for a property that we all know has already gone just to waste your time. By taking steps to educate the public about our work and the rigorous standards we uphold, we can help clarify these distinctions. Doing so will not only alleviate our frustrations but also enhance the reputation and understanding of our profession, ensuring that the value of our expertise is fully recognised and appreciated.
