RICS AI Standard Now Mandatory: What It Means for Surveying Firms and Clients

The new RICS AI standard: what it means for surveying

Artificial intelligence is becoming part of everyday professional practice. From data analysis and document drafting to predictive modelling and digital tools, AI is increasingly embedded in how organisations work across the built environment sector.

Recognising this shift, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors introduced a global professional standard titled Responsible use of artificial intelligence in surveying practice. The standard became mandatory for RICS members and regulated firms on 9 March 2026, establishing clear expectations around how AI can be used within surveying services.

This is the first global professional standard specifically addressing AI within the surveying profession and reflects how quickly technology is influencing the built environment industry.

Why the standard was introduced

AI technologies are increasingly being used across construction, valuation, land, infrastructure and property services. Used well, these tools can improve efficiency, support analysis and help professionals handle large volumes of information more effectively.

However, AI also introduces risks. Outputs can be inaccurate, incomplete or misleading. Data security must be considered carefully. Automated systems can introduce bias, and there is a risk that professionals rely too heavily on tools without applying appropriate judgement.

The RICS standard aims to ensure that AI is used ethically, transparently and with proper professional oversight, maintaining the standards expected of chartered professionals and RICS regulated firms.

The principle is clear: AI can support professional judgement, but it cannot replace it. Surveyors remain responsible for the work they produce, even when AI tools are used to assist.

What the standard requires

The professional standard sets out expectations for individual surveyors and RICS regulated firms. These include:

• Maintaining an appropriate understanding of AI technologies, limitations and risks.
• Ensuring professional judgement and human oversight of AI-generated outputs.
• Implementing appropriate governance, policies and risk assessments for AI use.
• Protecting client data and confidentiality when using AI tools.
• Being transparent with clients about how AI may be used in delivering services.
• Keeping records where AI materially affects surveying work.

The aim is not to require surveyors to become AI specialists. It is to ensure that professionals understand how these tools may affect their work, their advice and the outcomes delivered for clients.

Professional judgement remains essential

At AltMarkt, professional judgement remains central to how we work. Technology can assist with analysis, drafting, research and administration, but it must be used carefully and responsibly within a professional framework.

As a RICS regulated firm, maintaining professional standards and protecting client interests is fundamental to how we operate. AI may support elements of professional work, but responsibility for advice, recommendations and decisions remains with the professional providing the service.

For our clients, this means technology is used to support better working practices, not to replace the independent thinking, practical judgement and professional accountability they expect from a chartered surveying consultancy.

Does AI replace a Chartered Surveyor?

No. The RICS Professional Standard reinforces that artificial intelligence should support professional judgement rather than replace it.

Surveyors remain responsible for the advice they provide, the conclusions they reach and the decisions made on behalf of clients. AI tools can assist with parts of the process, but they cannot understand a client’s estate, apply professional experience or take responsibility for the final judgement.

What this means for clients

For clients, the standard provides reassurance that RICS members and regulated firms must think carefully about how AI is used in professional work. It also reinforces that professional advice should remain transparent, accountable and properly reviewed.

Whether advice relates to Building Surveying Services, Estate Strategy & Planning Services or wider estate consultancy, clients should be confident that technology is used responsibly and that professional judgement remains central.

AltMarkt’s commitment to responsible AI

AltMarkt has reviewed and implemented internal policies and governance measures to ensure any use of AI aligns with the requirements of RICS and supports responsible, transparent practice.

For our clients, this provides additional reassurance that:

• Professional judgement always remains central to our work.
• Client data and information are handled responsibly.
• Technology is used carefully to support, not replace, professional expertise.
• Advice remains accountable to professional standards.

This approach reflects the wider role of a RICS regulated firm: to combine technical knowledge, professional standards and practical judgement in the interests of the client.

Professional standards you can verify

Professional regulation should not be something clients have to take on trust. It should be clear, consistent and independently verifiable.

You can learn more about AltMarkt’s regulated status on our RICS Regulated Firm page, or meet the people behind the business on our Meet the Team page.

Looking ahead

AI will continue to develop rapidly across construction, property and public sector estates. Used responsibly, it has the potential to improve efficiency, enhance analysis and support better decision-making.

The RICS standard ensures that as these technologies evolve, professional integrity, accountability and client trust remain central to surveying practice.

If you would like to read more about the RICS AI Professional Standard, please use the external link below.