It hasn’t taken too long for the imposters to return to the market place, now that the seeds of recovery are in place. ‘Passing-off’ as a Chartered Surveyor was not uncommon in the boom years, but the majority disappeared once the dust had settled after the financial crash of 2008 and the ensuing economic crisis and property crash in Spain. But they are back.
Many people are unaware that only members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) can legally call themselves ‘Chartered Surveyors’. RICS is the foremost and largest professional body for Surveyors in the UK and throughout the world. Only RICS members are governed by the strict ethical and professional guidelines which are applied by the governing body. Only RICS members have access to the best practice and reporting guidelines which are set out and constantly developed by RICS.
How can a potential client verify whether someone is really a Chartered Surveyor? In reality it is very simple.
- Members can be easily identified because only they are entitled to use the initials MRICS or FRICS after their name.
- A simple check at www.rics.org on the ‘find a surveyor’ section will reveal whether the firm is registered with RICS.
Beware the imposters – they may try to persuade you that they are suitably qualified; some may even offer apparently comparable services or reports. Do not be deceived.
Marow Chartered Surveyors are one of the very few surveying practices in the Valencia region in Spain in which all surveying services are carried out by an RICS Chartered Surveyor. Marow Chartered Surveyors was established in Valencia in 2005 and has been providing surveys in Valencia, including Alicante, Castellon, the Costa Blanca and the Costa Azahar for the past 11 years – during the good times and the bad. We are here to offer independent and professional advice for all your property needs.
Do not leave it to your instincts. Use an RICS Chartered Surveyor for your property needs in Spain.
Marow Chartered Surveyors. Property. People.