Property valuation set for major reform

A major review published today calls for stronger oversight and stricter rules governing property valuation. The review, commissioned by the independently-led Standards and Regulation Board (SRB) of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), was carried out by Peter Pereira Gray, Chief Executive of the Wellcome Trust’s Investment Division.

Property makes up an estimated 70% of global wealth and the Review’s recommendations apply to major UK and global assets such as shopping centres, offices and business parks. RICS members and registered firms play a market leading role in this crucial sector around the world, delivering confidence to the public, industry and markets.

The Board’s Chair, Dame Janet Paraskeva, said:

“The recommended changes for stronger oversight will underpin future stability and market confidence in this major asset class - much of which is funded through pensions and savings - and are therefore very much in the public interest. These changes are critical to ensure that RICS-regulated professionals and firms operating in this sector remain relevant and trusted. The Board welcomes and accepts all 13 recommendations of the Review.”

The Board has committed to detailed discussion with the profession, with particular focus on three major changes:

1. the introduction of a Valuation Compliance Officer role for RICS regulated firms undertaking valuation
2. the creation of a dedicated Valuation Panel under the aegis of the SRB
3. further guidance on the culture within this sector and the behaviour expected of valuation professionals

The Board will also consult with other industry regulators to scope any changes needed to its valuation standards and related regulatory framework.

Alongside publication of the review findings SRB has issued a public response which confirms its plans to establish a programme of work to implement the recommendations.

Peter Pereira Gray, chair of the Valuation Review, said:

 “I commend the RICS Standards and Regulation Board for commissioning this objective and transparent review and for accepting all of the recommendations.

“It is my belief that implementing these recommendations as a package will lead to a greater and more enduring trust in the work of RICS Registered Valuers.

“The Review noted the substantial progress that RICS has made over the past 10 years and more to uphold standards, under independently-led regulation. Building upon that work, when implemented, the recommendations will provide stronger assurance with stricter rules governing property valuation. Ultimately, this will deliver the best possible outcomes for markets and the public.”

-ENDS-

NOTES TO EDITORS

The review report can be found here. The SRB response can also be found here.

Please note that while this report has been conducted on a global level, some recommendations (if accepted) will apply and work differently depending on the local regulatory framework.

About the review

Established in October 2020, the review has been led by Peter Pereira Gray, who was appointed by RICS independent led Standards & Regulation Board. 

The review itself was asked to specifically consider the ability of valuers to keep pace with market changes including: 

• Changing occupational trends and their impact on investment in real estate
• Institutional real estate investment becoming more widely understood to be an actively managed business activity, where the management ability has a material impact on worth/value 
• Structural market change (rapidly evolving investor and occupier demand) – impacting on real or perceived valuation of assets. For example, the changing dynamics in retail.
• The suspension of UK property funds at perceived market turning points
• Concerns over the independence of valuers from their clients when reporting on investment performance

About RICS

All RICS’ work is designed to effect positive change in the built and natural environments. Through our respected global standards, leading professional progression and our trusted data and insight, we promote and enforce the highest professional standards in the development and management of land, real estate, construction and infrastructure.

Our work with others provides a foundation for confident markets, pioneers better places to live and work and is a force for positive social impact.

About The RICS Standards and Regulation Board

The Standards and Regulation Board has exclusive responsibility for strategy, policy and operational oversight of the standards, entry and admission to the profession (through RICS’ education and qualification standards), and regulatory functions of RICS. The Board is comprised of non-members (independent) and members of RICS, and reports to Governing Council.

Standards and Regulation Board (rics.org)

For more information:

John Bayliss

jbayliss@rics.org

Rebecca Hunt

rhunt@rics.org