UK Influence and Advocacy Update January 2026

As the UK enters 2026, RICS continues to champion evidence-based policy that supports confidence, growth and sustainability across the built and natural environment. This update highlights our latest responses to government consultations, policy announcements and regulatory reform, alongside the launch of RICS’ devolved nation manifestos for Scotland and Wales.

Looking ahead, the next few weeks will be extremely important for surveyors as RICS analyses and responds to announcements including proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework, the Single Construction Regulator, and the long-awaited Warm Homes Plan.

Home buying and selling reform consultation

RICS has responded to the UK Government’s consultation on reforming the home buying and selling process, setting out practical recommendations to reduce delays, fall-throughs and consumer frustration.

Our response emphasises the importance of improving upfront information, enhancing the role of qualified professionals, and ensuring reforms are proportionate and deliver genuine consumer benefit. RICS supports measures that create greater certainty earlier in the transaction, while warning against piecemeal change that risks adding cost or complexity.

Reforms must align with existing professional standards and avoid undermining confidence in the housing market at a time when affordability and access remain under pressure.

Single construction regulator: RICS response to government plans

RICS has responded to the government’s proposals to establish a single construction regulator, highlighting both the opportunities and risks associated with such a significant regulatory shift.

We recognise the potential benefits of greater clarity, consistency and accountability across the construction sector, particularly in the context of building safety reform. However, we have cautioned that any new regulator must avoid duplication, be clearly defined in scope, and work effectively alongside existing professional and regulatory bodies.

Our response calls for strong engagement with industry, a focus on competence and outcomes, and a regulatory framework that supports innovation while raising standards across the built environment.

RICS Scotland Manifesto 2026: Surveying Scotland

RICS has published its Scotland Manifesto 2026, setting out clear priorities for the next Scottish Parliament term and the role of the surveying profession in supporting economic growth, net zero and resilient places.

The manifesto highlights the need to boost housing delivery across all tenures, accelerate Scotland’s retrofit programme, and address growing skills and capacity challenges across the built and natural environment. It also underscores the importance of high-quality data, professional standards and early engagement with surveyors to support better policy and delivery outcomes.

RICS will continue to work with political parties, government and stakeholders to ensure Scotland’s built environment policy is underpinned by professional expertise and long-term thinking.

RICS Wales Manifesto 2026

RICS has also published its bilingual manifesto ahead of the Senedd elections. The manifesto is structured around three core themes: homes and places that work; Wales’ green transformation; and skills for the future built environment.

Recent RICS data shows confidence across the Welsh built environment has become increasingly fragile, with construction activity losing momentum, commercial demand softening, and skills shortages continuing to constrain growth. In the residential sector, affordability remains a major barrier for renters and buyers, despite welcome investment in social housing.

Key calls within the manifesto include the development of a Welsh housing delivery strategy built around cross-tenure targets and clear development ambitions; large-scale, high-standard retrofit programmes alongside faster upgrades to grid and energy infrastructure; and expanded investment in built and natural environment education. This includes growing apprenticeships and upskilling pathways to support the energy transition and long-term workforce resilience.

RICS responds to Land Registration consultation in Northern Ireland

RICS responded to the Land & Property Services consultation on proposals to modernise the process of land registration in Northern Ireland and welcomed many of the proposed changes which facilitate electronic communication while retaining important safeguards around auditability and register accuracy.  RICS will contribute member and technical expertise to the Implementation and Design teams who are helping to shape the new solution for LPS.