RICS and National Housing Federation Advance Standardised Stock Condition Survey for UK Social Housing
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the National Housing Federation (NHF) are advancing efforts to create a standardised stock condition survey tailored for the UK’s social housing sector. This landmark initiative aims to establish a consistent, sector-wide framework for collecting reliable data on the condition of social homes, helping landlords make informed decisions about maintenance, investment, and regulatory compliance.
An expert working group comprising representatives from housing associations, local authorities, social landlords, and Chartered Surveyors has developed a draft stock condition survey standard, which will be released for broader consultation later this year. The standard represents the first of its kind designed specifically for social housing landlords and providers across the UK.
The proposed framework emphasises a clear client brief and provides detailed guidance to housing providers on preparing and conducting stock condition surveys. It is designed to accommodate the diverse range of property types found in social housing — from listed buildings and Passivhaus homes to gypsy and traveller sites, converted buildings, flats, and houses — ensuring the standard can be applied universally across the sector.
As a Chartered Member of RICS and Property Director for a rural housing association, I have contributed insights from our own survey processes at Hastoe, reinforcing the need for a consistent, objective approach. The standard will help reduce subjectivity in stock condition surveys, delivering accurate, up-to-date data that supports sound financial planning and effective asset management.
To maximise the standard’s effectiveness and sector relevance, RICS will launch a public consultation later this year. The NHF will invite its members to review the draft standard and provide feedback. Input from housing providers and stakeholders will be essential to refining the survey to meet the sector’s needs and drive better outcomes for residents.
This collaborative effort between RICS and NHF marks a critical step towards improving social housing stock condition data, enhancing investment decisions, and ensuring homes are maintained to high standards across the UK.
