HOT TOPICS

Question 1

Are you aware of any recent updates to CPD requirements?

Answer 1

Yes - new regulation introduced effective 31 January 2026

RICS continuing
professional development
rules: requirements

Question 2

What are the CPD requirements outlined in ‘RICS continuing
professional development
rules: requirements 2026’?

Answer 2

• Min. 20 hours (50% structured).
• Must record digitally or via app.
• Must carry out CPD on mandatory topics (RICS professional and ethical standards, AI/data/technology, sustainability)
• Annual declaration (31 January)
• If undertaking accredited award (e.g. degree), can carry forward up to 20 hrs structured to next 2 years - max 10 each year).

Question 3

What are the mandatory CPD topics effective from January 31 2026?

What are the requirements for these?

Answer 3

1. RICS professional and ethical standards
2. AI/data/technology
3. Sustainability

• Must be structured and min. 1 hr.
• Each topic covered at least once every 3 years.

Question 4

How does war (e.g. the Middle East conflict) impact property valuation?

Answer 4

Dominant factors are inflation, interest rates and confidence, leading to:
* Slower transactions
* Regional price divergence
* Continued rental pressure
* Heightened valuation uncertainty

Question 5

How is commercial and investment property impacted by geopolitical instability?

Answer 5

Contributes to a “wait-and-see” investment environment, especially outside prime assets.
Key themes:
* Delayed investment decisions.
* Flight to quality (best located, best spec assets still transact).
* Development schemes stalled due to build cost inflation and financing risk.

Question 6

How should the effects of the Middle East conflict be incorporated into property valuations?

Answer 6

DO NOT apply hypothetical war related adjustments to value (i.e. leading the market).
No transactional proof = no direct pricing adjustment.

Reflect shift in sentiment in commentary, not value.
This includes:
* note economic volatility/investor caution.
* point out absence of direct evidence.
* confirm valuation remains evidence based, not assumption driven.

Question 7

Are you aware of any RICS guidance regarding AI?

When did this come into effect?

Answer 7

RICS Professional Standard:
Responsible use of artificial intelligence in surveying practice

9th March 2026

Question 8

What is the status of the RICS AI guidance?

Answer 8

It is a mandatory RICS professional standard. Members must comply where AI has a MATERIAL IMPACT on the delivery of surveying services.

Question 9

When does AI use have a “material impact”?

Answer 9

When AI outputs are capable of influencing how the surveying service is delivered, such as drafting opinions, summaries relied upon, or guiding inspections.

Question 10

What must a surveyor do if AI use is material?

Answer 10

They must record, in writing:
- that AI use is material
- the reasoning behind that determination

Question 11

What baseline knowledge must an APC candidate demonstrate if using AI?

Answer 11

Understanding of:

• Types of AI and their limitations.
• Risk of erroneous outputs.
• Bias in AI systems.
• Data and confidentiality risks.

Question 12

Does AI reduce a surveyor’s professional responsibility?

Answer 12

No.
Responsibility, judgement and accountability always remain with the surveyor.

Question 13

What is meant by “professional judgement” when assessing AI outputs?

Answer 13

The application of:

• Knowledge
• Skills
• Experience
• Professional scepticism

Question 14

How must reliance on AI outputs be evidenced?

Answer 14

By a written reliability assessment, setting out:

• Assumptions
• Concerns and reasons
• Mitigation
• Conclusion on whether the output can be used

Question 15

Who must take responsibility for AI outputs used?

Answer 15

A named, appropriately qualified surveyor, who accepts responsibility for their use.

Question 16

Can AI outputs be used at scale without checking every result?

Answer 16

Yes, but firms must:

• Remain accountable for all outputs.
• Carry out regular randomised dip‑sampling for quality assurance.

Question 17

What data governance obligations apply to AI use?

Answer 17

Firms must:

• Protect private and confidential data.
• Limit access.
• Train staff annually.
• Avoid uploading confidential data unless consent and risk assessment are in place.

Question 18

What governance systems must firms have before using AI?

Answer 18

• A written AI register.
• A risk register covering bias, errors, data risks.
• Documented decision that AI is the appropriate tool.
• Clear human oversight arrangements.

Question 19

How often must AI risk registers be reviewed?

Answer 19

At least quarterly.

Question 20

What due diligence is required before procuring AI?

Answer 20

Documented assessment of:

• Data quality and bias.
• Legal and confidentiality compliance.
• Environmental impact.
• Supplier liability.
• Fitness for purpose.

Question 21

What if a supplier cannot provide full AI information?

Answer 21

The firm must identify and record the risk arising from missing information in the risk register.

Question 22

What disclosure must be made to clients where AI is used?

(e.g. in Terms of Engagement)

Answer 22

In writing and in advance:

• That AI is being used
• Where in the process
• PI position (if available)
• How AI use can be contested
• Redress mechanisms
• Whether clients can opt out