Half of UK surveyors say skills shortages are having a critical or moderate impact on their organisations, while 63% of those affected report reduced capacity to meet demand, according to new research from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
The findings, published in the RICS Surveying Skills Report – UK Snapshot in November 2026, raise concerns about the profession's ability to support increased housebuilding and infrastructure development.
Recruitment and retention challenges
The report identifies a shortage of experienced professionals as the biggest recruitment challenge. Some 62% of respondents answering the relevant question cite a lack of mid-career and experienced surveyors, while 47% identify shortages of graduates and other early-career professionals. Staff retention is another concern, cited by 43%.
The pressure is also affecting workforce development. More than half (55%) of respondents identifying the effects of shortages say they lack sufficient time or resources to train existing employees. As a result, firms risk struggling to expand their capacity even if market activity improves.
AI skills gap
Technology could help ease some of these pressures, but the research reveals a substantial gap between its potential and the profession's readiness to use it. Some 58% of respondents feel unprepared or only slightly prepared to work with generative AI, AI analytics and AI-driven workflows. By contrast, just 12% consider themselves well or very well prepared.
Despite this, 30% identify AI, automation and digital tools among their three leading approaches to addressing future skills shortages. James Garner, head of AI and data at Gleeds, argues that AI training should become an established part of surveying education. "AI must become a core, formally assessed part of surveying education. The profession's future depends on it."
Garner also questions universities that discourage AI use rather than teaching students how to apply the technology responsibly. However, the report stresses that traditional professional skills remain essential. Communication, collaboration and stakeholder management rank among the most important future skills, alongside critical thinking and learning agility. Each category was selected by 47% of respondents, compared with 44% for data analytics, digital tools and advanced technologies.
RICS calls for investment in training
Upskilling existing employees is the most popular response to future workforce shortages, selected by 42% of industry respondents. RICS chief executive Justin Young warned that the skills gap could undermine efforts to increase housing and infrastructure delivery.
"Surveyors are essential to delivering the homes and infrastructure the UK needs. These findings show that skills shortages are already restricting capacity, whilst also squeezing the time available to train and develop staff. AI offers opportunities to improve productivity, but adopting technology requires investment in people. We need to equip surveyors to use these tools responsibly, combining digital skills with the professional judgement clients rely on."
Young said the profession must attract new entrants while retaining experienced surveyors and improving access to training. RICS is responding by modernising membership routes and developing professional pathways in sustainability and data analytics. It is also adapting training and continuing professional development to reflect changing industry requirements.
The findings suggest that recruitment alone will not resolve the profession's capacity problems. Firms will also need to invest in training if they are to benefit from emerging technology.
