Home survey standard 2nd edition – September 2026 update

Since our last update in April, the Expert Group has kept up a steady pace working through the consultation responses. They have completed the remaining sections of the draft and are working on finalising the standard.

From here, the draft moves into editorial review to check clarity, consistency and credibility, before being submitted for RICS standards governance, including sign off from the Knowledge and Practice Committee and the Standards and Regulation Board.

Alongside this, we are preparing our Basis of conclusions report which will be published together with the final standard. This is a summary that outlines how consultation feedback has informed the development of the second edition.

Work is also continuing in parallel to develop supporting materials and products to help members and regulated firms understand and implement the changes once the second edition comes into effect.

Our intention is to publish Q1 2027. This may be impacted by the introduction of reforms in residential buying and selling process.

In the meantime, professional obligations stay the same.  Please continue working to the current edition of the Home Survey Standard until updates are officially announced.

Ahead of implementation we'll set out the principal changes, publication and effective dates, any transitional arrangements, and the guidance and resources you'll need to prepare.