Valuer.

About the Role

The role of a valuer (RICS registered valuer) is to provide market valuations of commercial and residential property on behalf of property owners, for a range of purposes including accounts purposes, taxation purposes and mortgage-lending purposes. Valuers also provide advice to major institutions (such as insurance companies, pension funds and investment banks), as well as to property companies, developers and high-net-worth private individuals.

Whatever the purpose and basis of the valuation, a valuer must report a figure based on comparable market evidence and changing market sentiment.

Qualified valuers must work within the framework of their governing body, the RICS, and specifically refer to the RICS Red Book, which provides guidance and rubric for undertaking valuations.

The day-to-day role of a valuer includes site inspections of properties, working with letting and investment agents to establish market sentiment, writing reports, preparing client deliverables, and meeting with and reporting directly to clients.

Routes to Becoming a Valuer

Valuers qualify through the same RICS framework as a Surveyor, all leading to the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) and RICS membership:

1. 1

   Graduate route: for those with an RICS-accredited degree.

2. 2

   Associate route (AssocRICS): for those with relevant work experience and vocational qualifications rather than a degree.

3. 3

   Experienced professional route: for those with significant relevant experience.

4. 4

   Apprenticeship route: combining paid work with RICS-accredited study.