Document downloads - Planning
Available downloads
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Surveys of residential property (ARCHIVED)
This document has been archived and is available on isurv for information purposes only.
This guidance note provides a clear, flexible framework for practitioners to develop their own services the public can trust, consistent with the quality standards expected from RICS members.
In May 2016, this guidance was updated and reissued by RICS. Changes made with immediate effect relate to:
- Liability caps: it is generally wise to include some form of limitation of liability in the contract letter, providing a cap on the amount of compensation the surveyor (or their employer) may be found liable for. This is now provided for in section 5 and Appendix A.
- Cancellation rights: members should take legal advice to ensure the Contract letter is compliant with legislation relating to a 'cooling off' period in accordance with the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013. This is also now provided for in section 5 and Appendix A.
- Unexpired leasehold term: the assumption at 5.1.8 has been brought into line with RICS Valuation – Professional Standards UK appendix 10 with the unexpired lease term assumption adjusted from 70 years to 85 years
- The sample scope of engagement at Appendix A is not mandatory, but may help practitioners develop documentation that supports clearer client understanding. -
Calculation of fees relating to the exercise of statutory powers in connection with land and property (ARCHIVED)
This document has been archived and is available on isurv for information purposes only.
This guidance note offers guidance on the choice of an appropriate charge to be paid by an acquiring authority as compensation to a claimant in a compulsory purchase. It also offers advice on dispute resolution. -
Surveyors acting as advocates
Published February 2017
Effective from 1 June 2017
The professional statement sets out the core duties expected of the surveyor-advocate. It applies where you agree (whether in writing or orally) to act as a surveyor-advocate before any tribunal in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.
The guidance note offers guidance on fundamental aspects of advocacy practice. It outlines general duties and roles and offers best practice advice on, among other things, case preparation and preliminaries, evidence and documents, and hearings.
A client guide (a stand-alone electronic version of the professional statement) is also available. -
Code of measuring practice
Published: September 2007
Reinstated: 23 January 2018
Effective from: 23 January 2018
Code of measuring practice, 6th edition was reinstated on 23 January 2018 after publication of RICS property measurement, 2nd edition.
The 6th edition of the code became effective globally from 18 May 2015 when it was incorporated into the first professional statement, that for offices. -
Contamination, the environment and sustainability: Implications for chartered surveyors and their clients (ARCHIVE)
This document has been archived and is available on isurv for information purposes only.
The challenges presented by contaminated land and environmental issues, such as the flood risk caused by climate change, and the need to live in a more sustainable way mean that the demand for best advice has never been more important. Surveyors are uniquely placed to provide this advice to clients in all property sectors.
This guidance note aims to support and guide the professional activities both of those who are already highly proficient in this area and also those who are less experienced.
This publication was reviewed and a new standard was published in 2018: 'Environmental risk and global real estate'. -
Dilapidations
Published September 2016 (E&W) and March 2015 (Scotland)
Effective from December 2016 (E&W) and March 2015 (Scotland)
Reissued December 2023
This professional standard seeks to advise members on the factors they should take into consideration when producing Schedules of Dilapidations, Quantified Demands, Responses, Scott Schedules and Diminution Valuations for reference to or use by the client, the other party to the lease, third parties and tribunals.
Dilapidations in England and Wales was reissued in December 2023 as a professional standard. It had previously been published in September 2016 as a guidance note. No material changes have been made to the document.
Dilapidations in Scotland was reissued in December 2023 as a professional standard. It had previously been published in March 2015 as a guidance note. No material changes have been made to the document. -
Direct professional access to barristers (ARCHIVED)
This document has been archived and is available on isurv for information purposes only.
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Environmental Impact Assessment (ARCHIVED)
This document has been archived and is available on isurv for information purposes only.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a statutory tool for assessing the environmental impacts of development projects, and identifying measures that can be taken to reduce these impacts. EIA has been established in the UK since 1988, and has been made a statutory requirement for certain projects by the implementation of two key European Directives (Directive 85/337 The assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment and the subsequent Directive 97/11).
This guidance note provides an overview of the EIA process and considers the potential role of RICS members. Chartered Surveyors should be conscious of the EIA process, either as an integrated part of the planning/permitting process or as a separate procedure, and of the detailed differences for example in the nature and scale of proposals subject to EIA. -
Use of GNSS in land surveying and mapping
Published: May 2023
Effective from: 18 June 2023
This standard forms part of a series of specifications and guidelines intended to assist those connected with the requesting, purchasing and production of surveys and mapping material at all scales, by spreading good practice and seeking to avoid duplication of effort.
This document has been written primarily to provide:
- the surveyor with a set of practical operational guidelines, which can be used when undertaking any survey that includes GNSS techniques; sufficient information is also included to allow the surveyor to generate a set of GNSS survey procedures applicable to a survey task required by the client, and
- the client, or purchaser of spatial information generated from a GNSS survey, with sufficient information to write a task-specific specification for a GNSS survey, which sets out the accuracy requirements, products and a scope of work from which the surveyor can accurately produce a bid for the survey. -
Planning enforcement (ARCHIVED)
This document has been archived and is available on isurv for information purposes only.
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The making of planning applications (ARCHIVED)
This document has been archived and is available on isurv for information purposes only.
Any questions relating to its status and application should be addressed to the relevant RICS Professional Group. -
Practice management guidelines (ARCHIVED)
This document has been archived and is available on isurv for information purposes only.
The Practice management guidelines, 3rd edition was aimed at small to medium practices and intended to assist in the day-to-day running of the business. -
Rating consultancy code of practice
This code of practice has been jointly adopted by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation (IRRV) and the Rating Surveyors’ Association (RSA).
With the aim of improving consumer protection and maintaining professional standards, the code sets out the standards of practice that rating consultants must adopt in all cases where they are either seeking instructions, or are approached by a new or existing client, to provide advice in relation to non-domestic rating matters.
It has mandatory application in relation to rating consultancy work.
The fourth edition of this code of practice is effective from 1 April 2017. -
Surveyors acting as expert witnesses
Published April 2014
Effective from 2 July 2014
Reissued February 2023
Surveyors acting as expert witnesses, 4th edition, applies to surveyors when providing expert evidence, whether oral or written, before a range of courts and tribunals in the UK,
The practice statement sets out the mandatory duties of a surveyor in providing evidence, while the guidance note provides further information on good practice, including: the need for clear instructions and terms of engagement; fees; guidance on what to do in situations of conflict of interest; an outline of the written report format; clarification of the differences between the roles of expert witness and advocate; and the immunity of the expert witness.
A stand-alone electronic version of this practice statement (without the guidance note) is also available for potential use with clients in connection with the particular requirement of PS 3.3.
This document was amended in February 2023 to remove wording from PS10 and GN19 which could be read as prohibiting expert witnesses from taking instructions from solicitors who are engaged on a conditional fee, even if the expert is instructed on an unconditional fee basis. This was not the intention of RICS and has therefore been amended for clarity. -
Waste management – a guide to landfill (ARCHIVE)
This document has been archived and is available on isurv for information purposes only.
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Advertisement consent application checklist
A checklist of what you need for an advertisement consent planning application: the 4 national requirements and the 3 possible local requirements.
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Approval of details reserved by condition application checklist
A checklist for useful supporting information to supply with applications for approval of details reserved by condition.
There are no national requirements for application for the approval of details reserved by condition except that they should be made in writing. -
Approval of reserved matters application checklist
Checklist of requirements for applications for approval of reserved matters following outline approval. There are 5 national requirements and numerous possible local requirements.
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Conservation area consent for demolition application checklist
Checklist for applications for conservation area consent for demolition in a conservation area. Lists both the compulsory national requirements and the possible local requirements.
Departments are required to seek conservation area clearance for any proposal which involves demolition in a conservation area, subject to the exclusions set out in paragraph 28 of the DETR Circular 14/97 Planning and the Historic Environment - Notifications and Directions by the Secretary of State (DCMS Circular 1/97). -
Hedgerow removal notice application checklist
Checklist for applications for hedgerow removal notice. Includes the 3 compulsory national requirements and the 3 local requirements you may also be required to provide.
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Householder planning permission application checklists
Checklist for householder applications for planning permission for works or extension to a dwelling, with conservation area or listed building consents. Includes both the compulsory national requirements and the possible local requirements.
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Lawful development for an existing use application checklist
A Certificate of Lawful Existing Use or Development (CLEUD) can be sought where a development has already been implemented without planning permission to ascertain whether it is lawful. A development may be lawful and therefore granted a certificate where: planning permission was not required for whatever reason for the development, the development is now immune from enforcement action because it has been in place for more than 4 years, or alternatively an involved use has been carried out for more than 10 years.
A valid CLEUD provides a defence against enforcement action and makes the development to which it relates lawful.
This is a checklist of things that should be included in an application. -
Lawful development for a proposed use application checklist
The Town and Country Planning Act 1990 allows any person to apply to the LPA to ascertain whether a proposed development would be lawful. Where the LPA decides the proposal would be lawful, they will issue a Certificate of Lawfulness of a Proposed Use or Development (CLPUD). Such a certificate is conclusive proof of the lawfulness of a proposed development and a defence if the proposal is later alleged to be unlawful.
An application for a CLPUD must provide enough information to satisfy the LPA that the use or operation described would be lawful, including reasons as to why it is alleged the use is lawful.
This is a checklist of things that should be included. -
Listed building consent application checklists
Listed Building Consent is required where alteration or extension, demolition or development which affects a Listed Building or development within the curtilage of a Listed Building is proposed.
This is a checklist of things that should be included in an application. -
Outline planning permission application checklists
An application for planning permission need not supply all the necessary details of the proposed development. The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 (as amended) allows for 'outline permissions' to be granted by the LPA. An application for outline permission allows the applicant to test the principle of the development with the LPA without incurring the costs of preparing a full and detailed design. An outline application will 'reserve matters' for consideration at a later date.
This is a checklist of items needed for an outline planning permission application, including both the compulsory national requirements and the possible local requirements. -
Planning permission application checklists
Checklists of the compulsory national requirements and possible local requirements for different planning application types.
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Prior notification of proposed agricultural development application checklists
Checklists for applications for prior notification of proposed agricultural development subdivided into new building, excavation of waste, fish tank and proposed road. They list the compulsory national requirements and the possible local requirements.
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Prior notification of permitted development by electronic communications code operators application checklist
Checklist for applications for prior notification of permitted development by electronic communications code operators, including the three compulsory national requirements and the possible local requirements.
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Prior notification of proposed demolition application checklist
Checklist for applications for prior notification of proposed demolition. It lists the compulsory national requirements and the possible local requirements.
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Removal or variation of a condition application checklist
Checklist for applications for removal or variation of a condition following grant of planning permission (Section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990), including the compulsory national requirements and possible local requirements.
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Tree works application checklists
Checklists for applications for works to tree subject to a tree preservation order (TPO) or notification of proposed works to trees in conservation areas (CA).
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Sustainability and the RICS property lifecycle (ARCHIVED)
This document has been archived and is available on isurv for information purposes only.
The chartered surveying profession has long had a role and reputation as being the custodian of the built and natural environment. With a body of knowledge and expertise built up over many years, RICS members are at the core of decision-making on the built and natural environment.
RICS recognises that sustainability should be considered throughout the property lifecycle. The interrelationships of the five phases in the property lifecycle - greenfield and estate management, planning and procurement, new construction, occupation and use (including refurbishment and alterations), demolition and remediation - are critical to achieving sustainability for the property profession.
This document details how sustainability can be embedded into the RICS property lifecycle and provides a resource for engaging our members in sustainability in promoting a positive contribution to our pursuit of sustainable land, property and construction.
This guidance note primarily examines the sustainability interventions and opportunities property professionals can put forward during the design and construction of a building project.
It also forms a starting point for further guidance aimed at the RICS property lifecycle stages. -
Boundaries: procedures for boundary identification, demarcation and dispute resolution
Published February 2021
Effective from 1 May 2021
Reissued October 2022
Disputes about boundaries, and related neighbour disputes, are never far from the news and have been increasing steadily during the COVID-19 period in England and Wales. Boundary disputes can be costly, traumatic and time-consuming for all concerned; they can end up in expensive legal cases, leave a lingering mistrust and ill-feeling between neighbours, result in delayed development and additional costs, and cause confusion between professionals. They never fail to light up the letter pages of the tabloids, and the constituency postbags of MPs.
It is critical that RICS members, and other professionals working within this sector, are up to date with the latest best practice advice and guidance. This new 4th edition encompasses all that was best from the seminal 3rd edition, with a new emphasis on mediation, and has been reformatted and edited to include several new and expanded sections.
This document was reissued in October 2022 as a professional standard. It had previously been published in February 2021 as a guidance note. The regulatory requirements remain the same and no material changes have been made to the document. -
Development management
Published: August 2009
This guidance note is primarily aimed at project management surveyors and has two purposes:
(1) to set out the main phases of the development management process and the main activities included in each phase; and
(2) to provide specific guidance on the following issues that will impact upon the development process: development appraisal; planning application processes; development finance; and procurement. -
Historic building conservation (ARCHIVED)
Published September 2009
Effective from 1 October 2009
Archived April 2024
This document has been archived and is available on isurv for information purposes only.
This guidance note should be used by any RICS member practising or working on old and traditionally constructed building or structures. One in five buildings in the UK date from before 1914, meaning that surveyors of all disciplines are likely to encounter such buildings at some stage in their career.
General guidance does not cover all situations and the practitioner's skill will lie in tailoring his or her knowledge to suit each case. The diverse nature of historic buildings and the owner and user's interests in them means that surveyors working in this field, however briefly, require a rounded understanding of the whole subject before any truly successful solution can be identified. The section on the philosophy of historic building conservation is intended to help equip the competent surveyor to balance apparently conflicting demands in the best interests of owners and the wider community. -
Spatial planning and infrastructure delivery (ARCHIVED)
This document has been archived and is available on isurv for information purposes only.
Spatial planning has a central role in the planning and delivery of infrastructure. It is concerned with all investment and includes the private, public and community sectors. This extended role in infrastructure planning and delivery now sits within the whole governance structure at the local level, which is increasingly being joined up and coordinated. Spatial planning also extends to the use of all public sector assets and the location of services and facilities. It is concerned with all public sector mainstream budgets, as well as funding from agencies such as the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), private investment and developers' contributions. -
Energy from waste (ARCHIVED)
This information paper is now out of date and held on isurv for information purposes only.
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Planning Act 2008: Delivering infrastructure (ARCHIVED)
This information paper is now out of date and held on isurv for information purposes only.
The Planning Act 2008 aimed to enable more effective consideration and delivery of nationally important infrastructure. It also provided for a levy system for contributions towards community infrastructure generally at a local level but in the case of London, at a strategic level too.
In view of the ongoing development of the provisions made within the Planning Act 2008, this RICS information paper was time sensitive and should only be used as a guide to the broad framework developed at the time the Act was published. -
Valuation of trees for amenity and related non-timber uses (ARCHIVED)
This document has been archived and is available on isurv for information purposes only.
This guidance note is designed to assist the valuer in dealing with some of the issues that arise when dealing with the presence of trees as part of a property or as separate entities. -
What is the impact of flooding on property values? (RICS)
Published June 2009
This research indicates that flooding has only a temporary impact on property values, and after three years prices had returned to their normal market level. While flood events in low risk areas had no impact on property prices, being designated at high risk of flooding also has had no effect on property values in areas with no flood events. -
Planning and the gender equality duty (RICS)
Published May 2009
This report explores the response of local authorities to the requirement that they take gender issues into account in their decisions, with particular reference to planning and urban regeneration. -
Towards a 3D urban land register information system (RICS)
Published April 2009
With funding from the RICS Education Trust, Roland Billen of the University of Liege explored what is needed to encourage the implementation of 3D land information systems. -
Transaction costs, planning and housing supply (RICS)
Published February 2010
This research by Phil Allmendinger of the University of Cambridge, with funding from the RICS Education Trust, exlpores the increasing costs that the planning system places on new housing development. -
UK Government national carbon reduction targets and regional housing market dynamics: compatible or contradictory? (RICS)
Published March 2010
This report, commissioned by RICS East and carried out by the University of Cambridge, explores the relationship between national carbon emissions targets and the nature of regional housing markets. -
Urban revitalisation in traditional neighbourhoods in Chinese cities (RICS)
Published January 2010
With funding from the RICS Education Trust, Elisabete Silva of the University of Cambridge explored the social and economic impacts of different approaches to neighbourhood revitalisation in China. -
Urbanisation of Caribbean coastlines: a case study of the Trinidad west coast (RICS)
Published March 2010
This report, by David Neale and Asad Mohammed, outlines some of the pressures that are being faced in the land use planning and development of the west coast of Trinidad. -
Moving towards a low carbon city: a case study of Melbourne, Australia (RICS)
Published August 2009
Using Melbourne as a case study city, this report analyses the impact of different scenarios for carbon emissions reductions, and recommends the adoption of a phased approach to emissions reductions. -
Making GIS work in developing countries (RICS)
Published July 2009
RICS Research Report from July 2009 by Neil Stuart, Duncan Moss, Robert Hodgart and Paul Radikonyana of the Institute of Geography at the University of Edinburgh. -
Land markets and the modern economy (RICS)
Published December 2006
This paper looks at the reasons why buying and selling rights in land are important, and suggests ways in which the efficiency and effectiveness of land markets can be improved. -
Assessing the potential of GIS in the identification of prime vineyard sites in south east England (RICS)
Published July 2010
This report by a team led by Chris Foss of Plumpton College, and with funding from the RICS Education Trust, assesses the use of GIS in identifying prime areas for wine growing in south east England. -
Expert witness terms of engagement template
This template is adapted from the practice statement and guidance note, Surveyors acting as expert witnesses. Its sample terms are not intended to be mandatory or prescriptive, and may be adapted as required. It is recognised that a variety of circumstances will prevail in the range of assignments surveyors may undertake and that clauses may not be appropriate in every circumstance. For example, where a client appoints a surveyor directly, without using an appointer, the terms would need to be amended accordingly. Other or additional terms of engagement may also be indicated, for example, by a protocol established under the CPR or in guides that supplement the CPR in certain courts.
Disclaimer: Users of this document are responsible for forming their own view as to whether this document and its contents are suitable for use in any particular circumstances. The supply of this document does not constitute legal or other professional advice, nor does it constitute any opinion or recommendation as to how any person should conduct its business or whether any person should or should not enter into any form of contract. Users should, if appropriate, consult their professional advisers as to any such matter. No warranty, express or implied, is given in respect of this document and neither RICS nor the authors shall be liable for any loss or damage of any kind arising directly or indirectly from the use or misuse of this document or from any reliance on it by any person, except to the extent that exclusion of such liability is prohibited by law. -
Managing organisational change (ARCHIVED)
This document has been archived and is available on isurv for information purposes only.
These papers are aimed at surveyors who are assisting clients with organisational change or are re-organising their own professional practice. -
Compensation rights for land use regulation: the findings of crossnational comparative research (RICS)
Published September 2010
In countries where land-use regulations and development controls operate, they often cause changes in the economic value of real property. Where the effect is downwards, do landowners have a right to claim compensation from the planning authorities? This topic addresses an inherent 'raw nerve' of planning law and practice, bearing deep economic, social and ethical implications. Yet, this paper will report on the first large-scale systematic comparative research ever conducted on this topic. -
An overview and comparison of dispute resolution processes in the UK (ARCHIVED)
This document has been archived and is available on isurv for information purposes only.
There are many different dispute resolution processes in the UK, the idea being that all of them strive to meet these aims in different ways. However, 'one size does not fit all', and selecting the wrong process can result in the opposite outcome; an unacceptable result in the longest possible time, with the greatest possible expense and maximum stress on the participants. The purpose of this paper is therefore to give an accurate, non-legalistic and user-friendly overview of the main dispute resolution processes available to the property, land and built environment sectors in the UK. This should assist users in selecting the most suitable dispute resolution process for their particular dispute. -
Surveying safely
Published November 2018
Effective from February 2019
Reissued July 2023
Appropriate management of health and safety is a requirement for all RICS-regulated firms and RICS members, including property-related businesses. The requirement for such management has been put in place in many countries across the globe and across industry sectors and governmental organisations in order to protect individuals from harm.
This professional standard sets out basic, good practice principles for the management of health and safety for RICS-regulated firms and RICS members. It sets out principles for those engaged in the built environment as property professionals and includes health and safety responsibilities:
• at a corporate level (whether the RICS-regulated firm is large or small) and
• at the level of the individual RICS member.
It covers property-related businesses and identifies the moral, ethical and practical issues that confront RICS-regulated firms and RICS members everywhere, in all the work that they undertake.
This document came into effect on 1 February 2019.
This document was reissued in July 2023 as a professional standard. It had previously been published in November 2018 as a guidance note. The regulatory requirements remain the same and no material changes have been made to the document. -
Mining Waste Directive 2006/21/EC (ARCHIVED)
This document has been archived and is available on isurv for information purposes only.
This information paper was intended to explain the background to the MWD and give a broad overview of its implementation in England and Wales. It should not be relied upon as an interpretation of the law. -
Conflicts of interest for members acting as dispute resolvers (UK)
Published November 2020
Effective from 1 February 2021
Reissued October 2022
This professional standard covers the appointment of surveyors as arbitrators, independent experts, mediators, adjudicators, and other dispute resolvers.
Surveyors may be appointed as dispute resolvers either by private agreement between the parties in dispute, or via RICS or other formal appointing parties, such as the Law Society or the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb).
The aim of this second edition professional standard is to provide advice on dealing with possible conflicts of interest for surveyors who are appointed to resolve disputes. It also helps all parties involved in a dispute to understand the main principles and considerations, and to be aware of when an involvement may develop into a conflict of interest.
This document was reissued in October 2022 as a professional standard. It had previously been published in November 2020 as a guidance note. The regulatory requirements remain the same and no material changes have been made to the document. -
Assessment of atmospheric errors on GPS in the Arctic (RICS)
Published October 2011
GPS is used throughout the world for navigation and positioning. Growing interest in the Arctic region predominantly due to a reduction in ice coverage suggested that an investigation should be carried out on region-specific errors in GPS for high accuracy users. -
Ethics in UK real estate practices (RICS)
Published July 2010
This research investigates professional ethics in small and large surveying practices. -
Selecting and allocating land for housing development: Politics, expedient sites, regional planning and localism (RICS)
Published November 2011
This study examines the balance that is struck locally between allocations as a purely technical process, and the selection of sites for housing as a political act that might deviate from 'good planning'. -
Tax Increment Financing: An opportunity for the UK? (RICS)
Published February 2012
This report critically examines the TIF models that are operational in the US to identify lessons that can be learned prior to possible adoption in the UK. -
A review of the practical uses of real property options (RICS)
Published April 2005
Real property options are among the earliest modelled real options, with now six primary practical uses: planning, investment timing, leasing, operations, funding and industry strategy. -
Property market processes and development outcomes in cities and regions (RICS)
Published November 2000
This paper considers urban and regional property market processes, their development outcomes and the implications for economic development. Major differences between the inter-regional pattern of economic activity and the interregional distribution of property development, particularly for offices, are identified. -
Reassessing the role of planning in delivering sustainable development (RICS)
Published December 2006
Revisiting the issue of how planning relates to, and delivers on, sustainable development. -
An examination of the housing needs and supply for an ageing society - Main report (RICS)
Published April 2009
This research investigates the 'new' demographic group of older home-owners living in larger homes, and in good health, and to explore their attitudes and preferences for housing in later life. Both new and existing sources of data were used to address the topics of interest. -
Household mobility expectations and estimates of local housing demand (RICS)
Published in February 2012
The aim of this research is to explore the reliability of survey data on mobility expectations as a predictor of actual moves and as a basis for estimating future housing need and demand. -
An investigation of the issues raised for the construction industry in the United Kingdom by bats (RICS)
Published April 2002
The paper outlines the protection afforded to bats and their roosts, and how it is brought into force in the UK. This protection causes particular problems for construction, and many everyday construction operations that disturb bats and their roosts can be illegal acts. The need for liaison with the relevant statutory bodies is outlined and the detection techniques available for discovering bats are described. -
The provision of affordable housing through section 106: the situation in 2007 (RICS)
Published October 2007
This study was conceived as a way of exploring the current state of local planning authority (LPA) practice with regard to the provision of affordable housing through section 106 against a background of rapidly changing policy and practice. -
Earth observation and aerial surveys
Published 27 September 2021
Effective from 4 January 2022
Reissued January 2023
This 6th edition global professional standard is intended for use by land, sea, engineering and environmental professionals acting in an advisory capacity, and by clients who are able to specify their own surveys. It is also intended for use by earth observation and aerial survey specialists.
This professional standard supersedes the 5th edition of Vertical aerial photography and digital imagery, containing new sections on LiDAR and hyperspectral, multispectral, thermal and radar imaging systems.
This document was reissued in January 2023 as a professional standard. It had previously been published in September 2021 as a guidance note. No material changes have been made to the document. -
Local empowerment and strategic co-ordination: A review of changing practices in infrastructure planning at the sub-regional level in England (RICS)
Published May 2012
This research paper on local empowerment and strategic co-ordination reviews changing practices in infrastructure planning at the sub-regional level in England. -
Locational investment: Where to target investment for maximum economic returns (RICS)
Published May 2012
Location, location, location; as relevant to governments and their investment plans as it is to the most informed private investment bodies. This paper seeks to highlight that global economic realities must shape Government investment decisions by location. -
TUPE: information for property managers (ARCHIVED)
This document has been archived and is available on isurv for information purposes only.
TUPE stands for The Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006. New regulations to update TUPE 2006 came into force on 31 January 2014 under The Collective Redundancies and Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) (Amendment) Regulations 2014.
The purpose of TUPE is to provide employment protection on the transfer of a business from one individual to another or a change in responsibility for a contracted out service. In applying it, employment tribunals generally adopt what they call a ‘purposive’ approach, which effectively means they interpret TUPE to protect employees in line with the social objectives of the European ARD. -
An investigation into the relationship between land administration and economic development (RICS)
Published June 2013
This research undertaken by the University of Reading’s Henley Business School investigated the relationship between land administration and economic development.
In this research, the national land titling programme of Thailand was studied as a successful example of this process and the surveying settlement programme in Bangladesh was selected as a detailed comparative case study of a village in the Gharinda Union. -
Managing communications (ARCHIVED)
This document has been archived and is available on isurv for information purposes only.
This 1st edition information paper examines communications in an industry context, covering how clear, consistent communication via different media enables stakeholders to play their part in delivering a successful project. -
Strategic facilities management (ARCHIVED)
This document has been archived and is available on isurv for information purposes only.
This guidance note applies globally. It provides practitioners with operational pointers to best practice in the management of facilities, while exploring the depth of the facilities management discipline and the advantages to organisations which position the facilities role appropriately within their corporate structures.
It supersedes a previous guidance note: The strategic role of facilities management in business performance, 2nd edition. -
The calculation of surveyors’ fees relating to the exercise of statutory powers in connection with land and property
Published April 2017
Effective from April 2017
Surveyors advising in respect of compulsory purchase and statutory compensation, UK, 1st edition, derives from the 2012 guidance note, The Calculation of Surveyors’ Fees Relating to the Exercise of Statutory Powers in Connection with Land and Property, 1st edition, for Scotland. Both this professional statement and the Appendix supersede the 2014 guidance note, The calculation of surveyors’ fees relating to the exercise of statutory powers in connection with land and property, 1st edition, for Scotland. -
Dilapidations (Hong Kong) (ARCHIVED)
This document has been archived and is available on isurv for information purposes only.
This publication is an adaptation of the RICS guidance note: Dilapidations, 6th edition (England and Wales), providing guidance to RICS members operating in Hong Kong.
It is intended to: adapt UK best practices for RICS members in Hong Kong dealing with dilapidations in leased premises, particularly dilapidation claims, forfeiture and break clauses in the lease/tenancy, and dispute settlement; and introduce a Schedule of Dilapidation (SD) Scheme to deal with dilapidations in Hong Kong. -
High streets: adapting to change (ARCHIVED)
This document has been archived and is available on isurv for information purposes only.
This 1st edition information paper addresses the factors behind the decline of retailing on the high street and in town centres, as well as discussing some possible solutions for the future of these places in terms of retail and beyond retail. -
BIM for beginners
The built environment sector is full of debate about BIM. In these times it is crucial to be clear on the current and future state of BIM.
This document is based on key points from the RICS guidance note 'International BIM implementation guide'. It gives a brief introduction to BIM for those who have yet to work with it. It looks at:
- what BIM is
- the technology behind BIM
- how BIM is used in project delivery and
- the implications of BIM on organisations. -
RICS property measurement
Published January 2018
Effective from 1 May 2018
RICS property measurement comprises the following two elements:
1. Professional statement: property measurement
a) Application of this professional statement
b) Technical definitions
c) IPMS: Office Buildings, as applied under the professional statement
d) IPMS: Residential Buildings as applied under the professional statement (applies to office measurements and residential measurements only – download these below).
2. RICS IPMS data standard
This document reflects the IPMS standards (IPMS: Office Buildings and IPMS: Residential) and will be updated over time to comply with other IPMS standards, including industrial, retail and mixed use, as they are published.
For all building classes except offices and residential buildings, the bases of measurement contained within the Code of measuring practice, 6th edition (COMP) may still apply though the application of this professional statement applies to all building classes. The COMP was effective globally from 18 May 2015, though early adoption of IPMS is recommended on publication of the new standards.
Software developers and those requiring the use of structured data are advised to follow the schemas as defined, and those wishing to pursue RICS software certification must demonstrate compliance with this data standard. This data standard is an XML schema and is available to download.
A user guide to the standard, intended for implementers, is available for download. For more information please email datastandards@rics.org. -
Innovative finance for real estate development in Pan-European regeneration (RICS)
Published March 2015
A critical review and analysis of innovative financial instruments for real estate development in Western Europe: the UK, Germany and Holland. This research outcomes will be useful to EU and European national policy makers in public finance and real estate development.
RICS research content is available to everyone, free of charge on the RICS website. Non-members will need to register. RICS members and registered non-members will need to login to see the particular research items. See also the full list of RICS research held on rics.org -
Placemaking and value (ARCHIVED)
This document has been archived and is available on isurv for information purposes only.
By analysing five case studies, this paper aims to understand the relationship between the various design features and delivery mechanisms of a large residential scheme, and the end-sales achieved. It distils which physical attributes, as well as which delivery approaches, can create a positive sense of place in a new residential development and how this can trigger higher values. -
Natural capital planning tool (RICS)
Published January 2016
This research aims to develop a Natural Capital Planning Tool (NCPT) allowing planners and developers to assess the impact of proposed developments and plans on the provision of ecosystem services. -
The practice of stakeholder engagement in infrastructure projects (RICS)
Published March 2016
Using East West Link in Melbourne and Crossrail in London as case studies, this research analyses stakeholder engagement in the planning and development phase of public infrastructure projects. -
Planning tools for strategic management of peri-urban food production (RICS)
Published September 2016
Using Sydney as a case study, this report aims to develop an understanding of what best practice looks for land-use planning on the urban fringe. -
Conflicts of interest – global
Published March 2017
Effective from 1 January 2018
Reissued July 2023
The global professional standard on conflicts of interest provides clear rules for RICS members and regulated firms to identify and manage potential conflicts of interest.
Effective identification and management of conflicts of interest is an essential component of professionalism. The professional standard provides confidence to clients and consumers that RICS members and regulated firms are operating to the highest ethical standards.
Following extensive industry consultation and feedback, RICS developed this professional standard to provide clarification on:
- competing bidders
- effective date/transition
- conflicts arising during professional assignments
- passing confidential information to insurers and legal advisers.
The conflicts of interest professional standard, which supports the RICS Rules of Conduct, places an overarching mandatory requirement on all RICS members and regulated firms and specifies RICS’ expectations of how compliance with the Rules of Conduct should be achieved.
This document was reissued in July 2023 as a professional standard. It had previously been published in March 2017 as a guidance note. No material changes have been made to the document. -
Conflicts of interest: UK commercial property market investment agency
Published May 2017
Effective from 1 January 2018
Reissued July 2023
This professional standard provides RICS members and RICS regulated firms with mandatory requirements when acting on the open market sale or acquisition of a commercial investment real estate opportunity in the UK in order to avoid conflicts of interest prejudicial to their clients’ best interests.
It covers:
- dual agency, including related firms
- multiple introductions and
- incremental advice.
This document was reissued in July 2023 as a professional standard. It had previously been published in May 2017 as a professional statement. No material changes have been made to the document.
See also RICS' global professional standard 'Conflicts of interest' at: www.isurv.com/downloads/download/2140/conflicts_of_interest_–_global -
Financial viability in planning: conduct and reporting
Published May 2019
Effective from 1 September 2019
Reissued April 2023
This 1st edition professional standard sets out mandatory requirements that inform the practitioner on what must be included within financial viability assessments and how the process must be conducted.
This is to demonstrate how a reasonable, objective and impartial outcome, without interference, should be arrived at, and so support the statutory planning decision process. It also aims to support and complement the government's reforms to the planning process announced in July 2018 and subsequent updates, which include an overhaul of the National Planning Policy Framework and Planning Practice Guidance on viability and related matters.
The new policy and practice advice prioritises the assessment of viability at the plan-making stage and identifies existing use value as the starting point for assessing the uplift in value required to incentivise the release of land.
Given that planning applications involve a statutory process that is subject to public scrutiny, the requirements in this professional standard are important in providing public confidence in a process that is inevitably complex, but nevertheless must inform the planning decision-maker.
This document was reissued in April 2023 as a professional standard. It had previously been published in May 2019 as a professional statement. No material changes have been made to the document. -
Surveyors advising in respect of the Electronic Communications Code
Published November 2019
Effective from 14 November 2019
The electronic communications sector has witnessed dramatic evolution both in terms of the development of new technologies and the demand for services. This has resulted in a profound shift in the way digital electronic communications are deployed, accessed and used. The government acknowledged this by enacting the Electronic Communications Code at the end of 2017, as part of the Digital Economy Act 2017, to facilitate the delivery and maintenance of high quality digital electronic communications infrastructure and to accommodate future technological development. The Code regulates the relationship between electronic communications network operators, infrastructure providers and site providers throughout the UK and provides a statutory framework for establishing agreements to place, operate and maintain electronic communications apparatus on land and property.
The government’s objective is to achieve the right balance of interests between site providers, electronic communications providers and, most importantly, the public interest in access to a choice of high-quality electronic communications services, and a competitive and sustainable digital communications infrastructure.
The aim of this guidance note is to highlight the main factors that may influence or impact the variety of roles a surveyor may be called on to perform within this environment. Given the dynamic nature of the industry, it is not intended to provide an exhaustive body of guidance but to identify the main issues likely to arise. This ground-breaking guidance note will also provide a framework that surveyors can refer to when advising their clients in relation to electronic communications networks and installations that fall under the scope of the Electronic Communications Code. -
Beyond COVID-19: Reopening of commercial buildings
This document has global applicability and is designed to give support and advice on the preparations and considerations for the reopening of commercial buildings once pandemic lockdown restrictions are lifted.
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Beyond COVID-19: Inspections and visits for non-domestic properties
Recommendations on inspections and visits for non-domestic properties during COVID-19 in England.
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The age of unreal estate
Published October 2020
We are in the middle of a period of drastic socioeconomic change today, change that has widespread implications for the use of real estate. Rapid technological advances, a growing emphasis on environmental and social impacts, and the wellbeing and productivity of a building’s users have all become important drivers for reconsidering how we think about property. COVID-19 has dramatically accelerated this conversation, radically changing demand for and use of buildings across the built environment while bringing unprecedented challenges.
Real estate must and will respond. For it to do so, we must ask how it will remain relevant to its customers, and therefore how RICS professionals engaged in its design, supply and management will also ensure that they remain relevant in a changing landscape.
This insight paper suggests an agenda for change, including a customer-centric, people-centric and responsible approach that recognises the rapidly evolving role of real estate. While compliance, cost and function remain critical, they must now be considered alongside other factors of equal importance to organisational objectives, such as environmental performance, stimulation and the experience that they provide. To measure a building's performance in these areas and inform professionals’ decision-making, better and more detailed data will be key. -
Land measurement for planning and development purposes
Published 24 May 2021
Effective from 24 August 2021
Reissued April 2023
RICS' 'Land measurement for planning and development purposes' is an important piece of guidance for surveyors engaged in preparing land for development, and is intended to bring consistency in the use of the terminology applied to different areas of land for this purpose.
In general usage, the term ‘site’ can be applied to many different parcels of land suitable for development. As a development proposal takes shape, more specific measurements of area are required. This professional standard enables the different measurements of land relied on in the planning and development process to be clearly distinguished.
This professional standard defines three distinct areas: the land ownership area, referring to the legal land ownership area; the site area, identified for planning application purposes; and the net development area, identifying the part of the site that will be occupied by buildings. Advice on the calculation of development density is also provided.
It provides global best practice, but practitioners will need to be aware of any local jurisdictional requirements that may have superior authority.
This document was reissued in April 2023 as a professional standard. It had previously been published in May 2021 as a guidance note. No material changes have been made to the document.