The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has sounded the alarm over a deepening global skills shortage across the surveying profession. A new report highlights that the shortfall is not only affecting productivity and project timelines but is also slowing innovation within the built environment. With almost 90% of surveyors confirming their work is being impacted, the need for urgent action has never been more critical.
1. Overview of the RICS Global Skills Report
The RICS Skills Report is the first of its kind to map the profession’s workforce challenges on a global scale. Covering sectors from building and quantity surveying to infrastructure and valuation, it paints a clear picture: the surveying sector is under pressure due to a shortage of qualified professionals.
Nearly one-third of respondents described the gap as “critical,” while two-thirds said it was “moderate but worsening.”
2. Key Findings from the Survey
According to RICS, the profession’s workforce is struggling to keep up with demand for projects worldwide. Below is a snapshot of the findings:
| Key Metric | Finding |
|---|---|
| Work areas affected | 9 in 10 surveyors impacted |
| Severity | 1/3 describe it as “critical” |
| Impact on productivity | 55% report reduced output |
| Cost increase | 40% report rising costs |
| Innovation slowdown | 25% highlight delays in innovation |
3. Critical Areas Facing the Shortage
The shortage is most pronounced in building surveying and quantity surveying, where aging professionals are retiring faster than new entrants can replace them. These roles are vital for managing budgets, ensuring construction quality, and delivering efficient infrastructure — meaning the gap directly threatens global project efficiency.
4. Causes Behind the Skills Gap
RICS points to several underlying causes behind the crisis:
- Aging workforce and retirements
- Lack of new entrants entering the profession
- Insufficient apprenticeships and technical training
- Limited awareness of surveying careers among young people
Without immediate action, these factors could cause long-term instability in the built environment sector.
5. Impacts on Productivity and Innovation
The consequences of the shortage are already visible. More than half of surveyors said their work capacity is decreasing, while nearly half report rising project costs due to limited skilled staff.
Additionally, fewer professionals in the field means slower adoption of modern technologies and reduced ability to deliver sustainable infrastructure.
6. Technology: A Bright Spot in the Industry
Despite the workforce challenges, there is optimism surrounding technological transformation. Around 60% of surveyors view artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools positively, believing these innovations can boost accuracy, speed, and data analysis in surveying.
Young professionals aged 17 to 34 were the most confident, with two-thirds expressing optimism about the industry’s digital evolution.
7. AI’s Role in the Future of Surveying
A recent RICS study on AI in construction revealed that while optimism for digital adoption is high, actual implementation remains low.
This points to a key opportunity — bridging the skills gap through AI-driven solutions such as:
- Automated data analysis for cost and land measurement
- 3D modeling and BIM integration
- Predictive project management tools
These technologies could help existing surveyors manage workloads more efficiently, even as the talent pool shrinks.
8. What Surveyors Say About Solutions
When asked how to tackle the shortage, professionals identified four main strategies:
- More apprenticeships and work-based training
- Greater promotion of surveying as a career path
- Upskilling for existing surveyors
- Stronger collaboration between academia and industry
These approaches aim to make surveying more accessible to younger generations while keeping experienced professionals updated with new technologies.
9. RICS Leadership on the Path Forward
Nick Maclean, Acting President of RICS, emphasized that the report shows both a challenge and an opportunity.
“There is an enormous demand for surveyors, and the profession is swiftly advancing with the pace of technological change,” said Maclean. “These are immense opportunities for both a new generation of surveyors and existing professionals to upskill across the exciting landscape of technological change.”
His message underscores that while the skills gap is serious, it can also serve as a catalyst for innovation and renewal across the profession.
10. The Global Call to Action
RICS is urging governments, education institutions, and employers to collaborate on solutions that future-proof the surveying profession.
By aligning industry needs with academic programs and expanding digital learning, the organization hopes to build a stronger, smarter workforce capable of supporting sustainable infrastructure development worldwide.
11. Conclusion: Building Skills for a Sustainable Future
The RICS report serves as both a wake-up call and a roadmap.
As the demand for skilled surveyors grows globally, the profession must evolve — blending traditional expertise with digital innovation. With proper investment in training, technology, and awareness, surveying can become one of the most dynamic and future-ready sectors in the global economy.