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Planning and development surveyor

Alternative titles for this job include

Planning and development surveyors assess proposed construction, transport and environmental schemes in towns and cities.

Average salary (a year)

£27,000 Starter

to

£55,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

38 to 40 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends as customers demand

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Planning and development surveyor

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • a graduate training scheme

University

You'll usually need to do an accredited degree approved by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

Relevant subjects include:

  • surveying
  • business studies
  • economics
  • estate management
  • land and property development

If your degree is in an unrelated subject or is not accredited by RICS, you could take an accredited postgraduate qualification in surveying.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

More Information

College

You could take a college course and enter the profession as a surveying technician. After completing your course, you would do further professional qualifications or a degree apprenticeship.

Courses include:

  • construction
  • construction and the built environment
  • T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

Apprenticeship

You can apply to do an apprenticeship, for example:

  • Surveying Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Chartered Surveyor Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

If you follow the surveying technician route, you would need to do further training to qualify as a planning and development surveyor.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

If you have a higher national diploma or foundation degree in surveying or construction, you may be able to work as a surveying technician, and take further training on the job to qualify as a surveyor.

Other Routes

You may be able to do a postgraduate qualification through a graduate trainee scheme with a company or through distance learning with the University College of Estate Management.

More Information

Registration

Further information

You can find out more about how to become a planning and development surveyor from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • maths knowledge
  • knowledge of geography
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • analytical thinking skills
  • customer service skills
  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • the ability to work well with others
  • legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a planning and development surveyor, you could:

  • analyse market data, like land and property records and values
  • present findings to clients and make recommendations
  • prepare planning applications for schemes
  • bid for funds from development agencies and investment companies
  • negotiate contracts and tenders
  • advise clients on construction regulations and legal matters
  • assess the likely impact of economic, social and environmental developments

Working environment

You could work at a client's business, in an office or visit sites.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could be promoted to project or senior management roles, go into partnership in private practice, or become self-employed as a consultant. You might also specialise in areas like:

  • economic regeneration and redevelopment
  • urban design and planning policy
  • project finance and risk management
  • environmental assessment and sustainable development

You could work towards chartered status, which demonstrates your professional knowledge and expertise.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Building Surveyor

  • Wage: £12,480 a year Annually
  • Location: WOLVERHAMPTON SCIENCE PARK, GLAISHER DRIVE, WOLVERHAMPTON

Rural Chartered Surveyor Apprenticeship Degree (MProf) 50:50 England/ Scotland

  • Wage: £35,000 a year Annually
  • Location: TATTON STREET, KNUTSFORD

Courses In England

T Level Construction - Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction

  • Provider: HAVANT AND SOUTH DOWNS COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: Waterlooville

T Level Construction - Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction

  • Provider: CITY OF PORTSMOUTH COLLEGE
  • Start date: 09 September 2025
  • Location: Portsmouth

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