A shortage of surveying expertise could constrain property projects even when finance and development opportunities are available. Property Industry Eye's 6 November report on RICS research highlights pressure on experienced staff, training time and the profession's readiness to use artificial intelligence.
The findings concern respondents to the RICS Surveying Skills Report's UK snapshot. They should not be read as a count of every surveying business or a forecast of how many homes will be delayed.
Capacity and training are linked
According to EYE's account, half of UK respondents reported a critical or moderate organisational impact from skills shortages. Among those identifying the effects of shortages, 63% cited reduced capacity to meet demand and 55% reported insufficient time or resources to train existing employees.
For property clients, that combination matters. Filling an immediate vacancy and developing the next generation of professionals are different tasks, but both draw on a firm's available capacity. A busy practice may need to make explicit choices about workloads, supervision and staff development.
Technology needs professional judgement
The report also points to a gap in readiness for AI. EYE reports that 58% felt unprepared or only slightly prepared for generative AI, analytics and AI-driven workflows, compared with 12% who felt well or very well prepared. These are self-reported assessments, not independent tests of competence.
An AI subscription is therefore not, by itself, evidence that a practice can deliver more work safely. Clients still need to understand who checks outputs, who signs off advice and which qualified professional takes responsibility for the assignment.
Questions for the next instruction
For a buyer, developer or asset manager, the practical response is to discuss availability early. Ask a prospective surveyor about the scope, likely turnaround, named lead and arrangements for specialist input. A low quotation has limited value if its assumptions do not match the property or the timetable.
This is an editorial implication of the research, rather than a prediction that any particular instruction will be late. Recruitment pressures vary between firms and specialisms.
Source: Property Industry Eye, reporting the RICS UK skills snapshot, 6 November 2026. No claim is made that AI replaces inspection or professional judgement.