The newly released RICS Surveying Skills Report 2025 provides a timely and data-driven look at the challenges and opportunities shaping our industry’s workforce. It highlights both the urgency and the potential of a sector in transition.
Understanding the Challenge
The report paints a clear picture: skills shortages continue to impact performance across surveying and property disciplines.
- Around 87% of respondents say the skills gap is affecting their work.
- 27% describe that impact as critical.
- The most pressing needs span digital skills, sustainability expertise, and commercial acumen in new entrants.
These figures point to a profession that recognises change but must accelerate its response.
The Shifting Skillset
The traditional technical foundations of surveying remain vital — but the ability to harness data, use digital tools, and lead sustainable transformation is now just as important.
The RICS report highlights growing demand for capabilities in AI, data analytics, energy efficiency, and lifecycle management.
In parallel, soft skills — communication, leadership, adaptability — continue to distinguish those who can translate technical knowledge into value for clients and communities.
What This Means for the Industry
The commercial property sector faces the dual challenge of retaining experienced professionals while attracting and developing new talent with modern skillsets.
Without decisive action, the talent gap could constrain growth, delay projects, and limit innovation — particularly in areas like net-zero delivery and digital integration.
Our Perspective
We see this as a defining moment and believe collaboration between firms, institutions and education providers is essential to build the workforce the sector needs.
That means:
- Investing in continuous professional development, especially around digital and sustainability.
- Strengthening graduate and apprenticeship pathways to make surveying more accessible.
- Creating environments where emerging talent can lead change, not just support it.
Moving Forward
RICS’ report provides a clear call to action — one we should collectively embrace.
By prioritising skills, innovation, and inclusion, we can ensure our profession remains resilient, relevant, and ready for the challenges ahead.
📘 Read the full RICS Surveying Skills Report 2025:
https://www.rics.org/content/dam/ricsglobal/documents/reports/Surveying-skills-report-2025.pdf