How is the stock condition survey standard for social housing landlords progressing?

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the National Housing Federation (NHF) are working towards developing a standardised stock condition survey for the UK's social housing sector. This would support a sector-wide approach to collecting information about the condition of homes.

Since then, an expert group combining a range of representatives from housing associations, local authorities and other social landlords, as well as Chartered Surveyors, has developed a draft stock condition survey standard, which will be open for wider consultation later in the year.

A first of its kind stock condition survey standard

As a Chartered Member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and Property Director for a rural housing association, I reached out to the RICS to participate in the expert group preparing the stock condition survey standard. This work is vital to streamline the sector’s approach to collecting meaningful data about our socially rented homes.

Accurate, up-to-date, reliable data about our residents’ homes is vital for ensuring accurate financial planning, informed decision-making and regulatory compliance. The purpose of the RICS expert group is to prepare a standard that can be used by RICS surveyors, regulated firms, and others working on stock condition surveys in the sector who are not RICS members.

It has been clear from the start there are a wide range of approaches to stock condition surveys, including in-house surveyors and outsourced consultants. A new standard needs to work for all.

Creating the standard

The proposed standard outlines what is required from a stock condition survey. It starts with a clear client brief, ensuring all parties are clear on expectations and provides guidance to registered providers when preparing for stock surveys. This ensures the data collected is relevant and meaningful and gives thought to how the information can be effectively used post survey.

In addition to creating a survey that can be used widely and generate meaningful data, the group has also considered the variety of stock profiles that exist across the sector. There is no one size that fits all when it comes to individual property attributes! In the group alone, housing providers discussed listed buildings, Passivhaus homes, gypsy and traveller sites, alongside converted buildings, flats and houses, to name but a few. We shared data to derive a list of core property attributes whilst recognising that others will exist. Reference was also given to review of the Decent Homes Standard, and any implications this may have on the proposed survey.

Bringing consistency to stock condition surveys

The standard will provide a checklist for preparing a survey template, which can be adaptable to different systems and methodologies. The checklist aims to guide the preparation of a survey template capturing all necessary information and ensuring that data collected aligns with reporting needs.

Having joined the group mid-way through our own stock condition surveys at Hastoe, I was able to share my experience of the survey process, data collected and how this then translated when imported into our operating systems. As a Chartered Surveyor I have conducted stock condition surveys both in and out of the sector. Stock condition surveys by their very nature can be subjective. What this proposed standard aims to do is to bring consistency in approach. The overarching aim is to ensure the sector holds accurate, relevant data on our residents’ homes, in a format that is used to inform investment decisions, financial planning and ensure homes are well maintained and compliant.

An upcoming consultation

We’re confident that the survey draws on good practice and builds on existing approaches in the sector. But it must be tested more widely so that it can be as useful as possible to a broad range of organisations.

That’s why RICS will be holding a consultation to gather views on the draft survey later in the year. The NHF will be in touch with members to seek views on the draft survey, I encourage you to review this and share feedback during the consultation. My hope is that with your input the final stock condition survey can be used widely across the sector as we continue to improve our collective understanding about the condition of our homes.