General Practice Surveyor
Job Description:General practice surveyors are involved in the management, valuation, buying, selling and development of land and property.
Job Category:What you will do:
Your day-to-day duties may include:
- negotiating deals for buying, selling and renting property
- acting as an agent, buying and selling property and land on behalf of clients
- assessing the environmental impact and economic viability of a development
- valuing land and property
- compiling reports for the valuation for mortgages, rent reviews and investment potential advising on property values, land purchase, tenure issues and related legislation
You could specialise in:
- development – working with professionals like town planners, architects, and highways and structural engineers to consider new developments and their financial implications
- management – managing property on behalf of a landlord, collecting rents, dealing with maintenance and repair and making sure tenancy agreements are followed
- investment – advising clients on buying and selling individual investments or managing large property portfolios
- Valuation Office Agency work – valuing property on behalf of the government, local authorities and public bodies for business rates, capital taxation, purchase and sale
Skills:
You’ll need:
- maths knowledge
- knowledge of geography
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
- legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
As well as:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- adaptability
- analytical thinking skills
- customer service skills
- organisational skills
Entry Requirements:
You could qualify by completing an accredited degree followed by professional development. Relevant degree subjects include surveying, estate management, building and construction. If your degree is not in a relevant subject, you could take a postgraduate conversion course.
In the UK, The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and University College of Estate Management have details of accredited courses.
You could also start as a trainee surveyor and then study for more qualifications on the job.
Working Hours and Environment:
In the public sector you’ll usually work around 40 hours a week. In the private sector you’ll need to work extra hours, including weekends, to meet deadlines, visit sites or meet with clients.
You’ll work in an office and on site, which may involve being outside in all weather conditions. You’ll spend time visiting clients and may sometimes need to stay away from home.
Career Path & Progression:
You could move into a specialist area like auctioning land, property or plant and machinery, or the valuation and auctioning of fine arts and antiques.