by Richard Buckley, Editor, Business Eye

RICS has issued new guidance for professionals operating in the residential property market in Northern Ireland about carrying out physical inspections for the purpose of valuations and condition-based surveys. The guidance is intended to help professionals carry out safe inspections in people’s homes now that restrictions have been relaxed on the operation of the housing market here.


The ability to carry out inspections for valuation and condition-based surveys is critical to the operation of the housing market and for many sales to be completed.

The purpose of this practical guidance is to enable RICS professionals and RICS regulated firms to deliver services to clients safely, consistently and in line with government guidelines.

This RICS document builds on NI Executive guidelines and focuses on physical inspections where RICS members need to come into contact with people and enter private residential properties to carry out physical inspections for the purpose of condition-based surveys and valuations in relation to any property transaction. It highlights clear recommendations for professionals before, during and after the inspection.

RICS Northern Ireland Residential Property Spokesman, Samuel Dickey commented: “The housing market has a significant role to play in rebooting the economy, as well as enabling people to secure a home that meets their needs, and the health and safety of those involved is the foremost priority.”

“RICS professionals and regulated firms have a duty of care to ensure services can be delivered safely. RICS’ guidance builds on that provided by the NI Executive and will support and protect both professionals and consumers. It will ensure that the housing market operates safely and securely for all those involved, and that it operates very much within a practical, and common-sense approach.

“The guidance will help create confidence amongst consumers and others involved in the housing market that inspections can be carried out safely and will help ensure that the market can operate, for the benefit of consumers, the market and the wider economy.”

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Sam Dickey, the RICS NI Residential Property spokesman

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