21 October 2025
SHW - Building Surveying - The 2025 Trends & Challenges
Building Consultancy, Industry News, SHW News
As we move through 2025, the building surveying sector is experiencing a period of rapid change and growing complexity. Below we share a few of the key elements worth sharing.
What’s Shaping the Industry?
• Tightening Regulation & Risk Management:
New laws like the Building Safety Act 2022, stronger energy performance standards, and stricter requirements for accessibility are making due diligence more critical than ever. Surveyors are expected not just to assess condition, but to evaluate compliance across fire safety, environmental sustainability, and long-term use.
• Technology & Data Integration:
Tools like BIM, 3D laser scanning, thermal imaging, drones, and digital twins are becoming standard in delivering more accurate, faster, and often safer assessments. Data analytics is enhancing predictive insights, enabling surveyors to anticipate issues rather than reacting to them.
• Sustainability & Retrofit Focus:
With the net-zero agenda and stricter energy efficiency rules, retrofitting older buildings is no longer optional. Surveyors are being called to advise on carbon emissions, lifecycle costs, and green materials—not just build-to-spec projects.
• Skills Shortage & Workforce Challenges:
There is a significant gap in skills: experienced surveyors are retiring, and fewer new entrants are coming in. Training, apprenticeships, and alternative entry pathways are essential if the industry is to meet demand.
• Market Pressures & Delays:
Economic headwinds, high borrowing costs, material inflation, and delayed regulatory approvals are all slowing down developments. For example, gateway approvals under the Building Safety Regulator are taking much longer than expected, creating project bottlenecks and uncertainty.
What SHW Are Doing in Response:
• Embracing technology and investing in digital tools to give us the competitive edge.
• Blending technical expertise with regulatory insight to be best placed to add value and make the UK built environment more sustainable.
• Addressing the skills gap through better educational outreach and providing apprenticeship opportunities.
• Developing clearer, streamlined internal processes to adapt to new regulatory pressures and keep development moving.
Alex Parker, SHW Building Surveyor comments “If you’re navigating a project, considering a career in surveying, or thinking about how you can respond to these trends, I’d be interested to connect and discuss. Please contact me directly at aparker@shw.co.uk
