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Do you have what it takes to become a residentialsurveyor?

An insight into our Main Sponsor - Sava - School of Surveying

5 transferable skills that make surveying the perfect post-military career move:

For most Forces personnel, returning to civilian life is an inevitability, but the shift from the demands of military service to the often-unfamiliar landscape of everyday society can be both exhilarating and disorienting. Finding a new career is just a one of the challenges faced by military leavers and having a plan in advance is crucial to ease the anxiety felt during the transition period.

In this article, we explore five key military-acquired skills that seamlessly transfer to a successful career in residential surveying.

What is a residential surveyor?

Residential surveyors play a crucial role in the property market, inspecting homes to identify risks, defects and opportunities. Their expertise in property condition helps homebuyers and homeowners make informed decisions when buying, selling and renovating. Residential surveyors work across the private and public sector, with roles available in established surveying firms and estate agents, housing associations and local councils, and opportunities to work independently or as part of a franchise.

What makes a great surveyor?

Surveyors come from all walks of life, but what binds them is an interest in property. Beyond technical know-how, military service instils a range of skills that lend themselves perfectly to the surveying profession.

1. Problem-Solving

Military personnel develop strong analytical and decision-making skills in high-pressure environments. Surveyors use these skills to assess properties, identify defects, and determine their severity. Quick thinking is often required, especially when areas are inaccessible or unsafe to inspect.

2. Time Management

Military operations depend on strict time management – a crucial skill for surveyors. The role involves research, property inspections, report writing, and customer interactions. Whether working independently or for a firm, efficient scheduling is essential.

3. Effective Communication

In the military, clear communication ensures mission success. Similarly, surveyors must communicate findings effectively, both in reports and client interactions. A well-explained report can significantly impact a homebuyer’s purchase decisions.

4. Adaptability

Military service requires flexibility and quick decision-making, traits that are invaluable in surveying.

No two properties are the same, and inspections often present unexpected challenges. Adaptability is key to overcoming these obstacles and delivering accurate assessments.

5. Professionalism

Respect for hierarchy and professionalism are integral to military life. As a surveyor, you will be eligible for membership with professional bodies like the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) which has its own expectations regarding the behaviour of its members, with a strict code of conduct to follow.

Why Ex-Forces Personnel Thrive in Surveying

The surveying profession values individuals who are disciplined, dependable and capable of working independently. Unlike some careers that require service leavers to completely reinvent themselves, residential surveying allows military personnel to build upon many of the strengths they’ve already refined.

The profession also offers:

•  A structured career pathway

  
  

•  Professional recognition

  
  

•  Strong demand for skilled practitioners

  
  

•  Flexible working arrangements

  
  

•  Opportunities for self-employment

  
  

•  A healthy work-life balance

  
  

•  Long-term career security

As the UK's housing stock continues to age and demand for professional property advice grows, the need for qualified residential surveyors remains strong.

Train as a Surveyor with the Sava School of Surveying

For military personnel considering a career in surveying, the Sava School of Surveying offers a practical and accessible route into the profession.

Sava delivers the ABBE-accredited Diploma in Residential Surveying and Valuation, a respected qualification that provides an alternative route into the profession without the need for a traditional surveying degree. The diploma is popular among career changers, with a programme designed to fit around existing commitments. The qualification is studied part-time, making it particularly suitable for service personnel approaching resettlement or those who have recently left the Forces.

Over 24 - 30 months, Sava learners develop the knowledge, practical skills and professional competence required to begin a career as a residential surveyor. Training combines virtual classrooms, online learning and face-to-face practical days to ensure learners are fully prepared for life in the profession.

Sava School of Surveying graduates have gone on to secure roles with surveying firms and housing providers across the UK, while others have chosen to work independently or establish their own businesses. Many even secure roles in the final stages of their qualification.

ELCAS Funding Support

The Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Service (ELCAS) scheme can help eligible military personnel reduce the cost of training.

The Diploma in Residential Surveying and Valuation is approved for ELCAS funding, enabling eligible service leavers to use their learning credits towards course fees and invest in a professional qualification that can support a successful second career.

For many military personnel, ELCAS funding provides an excellent opportunity to gain industry-recognised qualifications while making the transition into civilian employment.

What do our surveying graduates say?

“Sava is a credible route into residential surveying for service leavers. If it can survive my role change, house move, wedding, and six-month deployment, it can handle anything. The blended learning and flexible financing made it possible to study without pressing pause on real life.”

~ John Higgins (Major, UK Defence Operational Safety Lead)

After serving almost fourteen years in the Royal Navy, I was looking to start a career in something new. I didn’t want to spend the next four or five years at university in order to become qualified.

Sava solved that problem. I would encourage any former Military personnel or those coming to the end of their career to make good use of their ELCAS funds by considering enrolling with Sava.

~ Matthew Barton (Former Petty Officer, Royal Navy)

Take the First Step

A successful transition from military service starts with a clear plan. If you're looking for a professional career that values the skills you already have, residential surveying could be the ideal next step.

To learn more about the profession, training options, and ELCAS funding, contact a course advisor athello@sava.co.uk, call 01908 442158 or head to our course page at https://info.sava.co.uk/become-

Visit our main website at www.sava.co.uk or scan the QR code below.