The RICS has issued a statement on the property buyer reports now available to buy for £9.99 on properties listed on Zoopla.
The reports, from RICS member firm Vectis, attracted some lively comment yesterday when EYE ran the story.
A spokesperson told us: “RICS is aware that an innovative new buyer report is being trialled by one of its member firms.
“We will look to ensure that the product meets the professional standards required by the Institution.”
Anyone wanting to see the reports but having difficulty doing so on Zoopla can do so by finding the property reference number on the Zoopla listing and apply it to the hosting site for the reports: https://reports.vectis-surveyors.com/property/37502094
Comments (4)
It’s a little like asking for a valuation the a gold chain over the phone – the jeweler needs to see the hallmark and weigh it.
Don’t give me the credit, that belongs to Paul. All I did was throw my 2p into the discussion.
I am not against the innovation I simply don’t like the implied credibility the RICS logo is giving to information and valuation which is clearly wrong. When Andy1000 ( who appears to be an enthusiastic junior) decided to advertise the trial on here on Saturday the only examples I could find were attached to properties which were hopelessly contradictory. Examples which fell well below basic standards of professional care and competence.
I don’t give a shizzle how much money Vectis, Zoopla or RICS make from homebuyers reports but duping the public into thinking the valuation section of Zoopla is ratified by RICS and therefore every figure is correct and accurate is just wrong.
The approved partner scheme for RICS is expensive, this seemed as if it was a back door way of “by appointment to RICS” appearing on Zoopla, it’s not, RICS have confirmed they know all about it.
If RICS are happy with the trial, its impact and implications and are happy that the usual process of due diligence to protect their Royal Charter has been carried out that is good enough for me, carry on.
I’m not sure the general practice surveyors or agents will think much of this; it makes it very difficult to sell a professional homebuyers report done by an RICS surveyor for £450 when seemingly the same thing can be bought for a tenner.
“We will look to ensure that the product meets the professional standards required by the Institution.”
Anybody prepared to put their name on a £9.99 survey report hasn’t got any professional standards.
Not much of a “statement” – and virtually identical to their response yesterday to Robert May via Tw@tter –
“
@Rummage4_search We’re aware of this trial by a member firm and will look to ensure that the product meets our professional standards.”Funnily enough… the “reports” disappeared from Zoopla yesterday as quickly as they appeared.
Result!, Mr May et al! THAT’LL teach the portals, via the likes of ‘Andy10000’ and others, to come on here bragging.
Remember, portals – Agents put you where you are.
They can put you back down in a heartbeat.