Commercial Property Surveyor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the dynamic world of commercial real estate, the role of a Commercial Property Surveyor has never been more critical.
As the business landscape evolves, the demand for skilled professionals who can evaluate, negotiate, and manage commercial properties continues to rise.
But what exactly does a Commercial Property Surveyor do?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to understand the key responsibilities of this role,
- A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
- Or simply interested in the complex world of commercial property surveying,
You’ve come to the right place.
Today, we present a customizable Commercial Property Surveyor job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.
Without further ado, let’s dive in.
Commercial Property Surveyor Duties and Responsibilities
Commercial Property Surveyors are professionals responsible for managing and enhancing the value of commercial properties.
Their work involves a lot of inspection, evaluation, and consultation with different stakeholders.
Here are their main duties and responsibilities:
- Evaluate the condition of commercial properties and create detailed survey reports
- Conduct property valuations for buying, selling, and rental purposes
- Negotiate commercial property leases, sales, and acquisitions
- Provide advice on construction, property legislation, planning law, and property taxation
- Assess potential sites and conduct feasibility studies to support development proposals
- Prepare and present detailed reports on building defects, repair costs, and maintenance strategies
- Manage property portfolios, ensuring maximum profitability
- Advice clients on property investment strategies
- Coordinate with architects, planners, engineers, and other professionals during project planning and development
- Ensure compliance with local, state, and national property regulations
- Keep up-to-date with property market trends and conditions to provide informed advice
Commercial Property Surveyor Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are looking for a competent Commercial Property Surveyor to handle the inspection, valuation, and feasibility studies of our real estate properties.
The Commercial Property Surveyor will be responsible for understanding and evaluating the property market, collecting and analyzing data, and providing recommendations for property acquisitions and disposals.
The ideal candidate should have a keen eye for detail, outstanding mathematical skills, and the ability to effectively communicate and negotiate.
Responsibilities
- Carrying out inspections and surveys on existing and potential properties.
- Preparing property valuations for buying, selling and renting purposes.
- Advising clients on the purchase and sale of properties.
- Negotiating leases, property improvements, and amendments.
- Conducting feasibility studies and financial analyses of properties.
- Monitoring and managing property maintenance issues.
- Assessing and managing property risk.
- Providing property-related advice to clients.
- Staying updated on the commercial property market and economic trends.
Qualifications
- Proven work experience as a Commercial Property Surveyor.
- Proficient knowledge of property law and legislation.
- Excellent knowledge of property market conditions and trends.
- Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Professional certification such as MRICS.
- BSc degree in Surveying, Property Management, or a relevant field.
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Commercial Property Surveyor
- Work Environment: Regular travel to property sites is required. Office setting for administrative tasks.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Property Management.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $60,000 minimum to $100,000 maximum
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].
What Does a Commercial Property Surveyor Do?
Commercial Property Surveyors, also known as commercial real estate surveyors, work primarily in the commercial property sector.
Their primary clients include corporations, investors, and commercial property owners or buyers.
They carry out assessments and surveys on commercial properties such as office buildings, retail stores, industrial sites, and other business locations to provide advice on the property’s value, structural integrity, and potential investment opportunities.
Commercial Property Surveyors are responsible for providing reports on property boundaries, topography, and any potential issues such as structural problems or legal easements.
They interpret data and legal descriptions related to the property, and utilize advanced mapping and measuring tools to provide accurate land or property surveys.
In addition, they also analyze factors that can affect property value such as market trends, future developments, and current state of the property.
They may also advise on matters related to property management, property investment, and property development.
Commercial Property Surveyors may also act as mediators in lease negotiations between landlords and tenants, making sure that the lease terms are fair for both parties.
They also help in resolving disputes related to property boundaries, rights of way or changes to the property.
They may work for property consultancies, real estate firms, or may be self-employed and provide independent services.
Regardless of their employer, a commercial property surveyor’s main goal is to ensure their client’s investment is sound and the property meets their needs.
Commercial Property Surveyor Qualifications and Skills
A skilled Commercial Property Surveyor should have the qualifications and abilities that align with the job role, which include:
- Strong understanding of property valuation and commercial property market dynamics, including the ability to conduct and interpret market research.
- Adept at using surveying tools and software, with the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technologies.
- Ability to effectively communicate and negotiate with clients, property owners, and other stakeholders, ensuring that all parties are satisfied with the results of the survey.
- Exceptional attention to detail to ensure accurate measurements, calculations, and reports, which will be used to make critical decisions about property transactions and investments.
- Strong problem-solving skills to identify potential issues with a property or transaction and develop effective solutions.
- Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple projects simultaneously, demonstrating excellent time management and organizational skills.
- Knowledge of property laws and regulations, as well as the ability to interpret and apply this knowledge in a practical setting.
- Qualifications in surveying or a related field, along with relevant professional experience in commercial property surveying.
Commercial Property Surveyor Experience Requirements
Entry-level Commercial Property Surveyors often have 1 to 2 years of experience, typically gained through an internship or part-time role in property surveying or a related field.
These professionals might also garner experience in roles such as Property Analyst, Real Estate Assistant, or Land Surveyor.
In order to become a licensed surveyor, candidates must complete a significant amount of on-the-job training under a licensed surveyor.
Some states require two to four years of training under a licensed surveyor before the candidate is eligible to take the licensing exam.
Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often develop their technical skills and knowledge in entry-level Commercial Property Surveyor roles.
They should have a deep understanding of construction practices, property law, and local zoning regulations.
Those with more than 5 years of experience may have some leadership experience and may be ready to handle larger projects or manage a team.
They may also have experience in negotiating contracts, advising clients on property acquisitions, and working with local government officials.
Senior surveyors often have the ability to handle complex commercial property transactions, assess property value accurately, and provide expert advice on development feasibility.
This level typically requires at least 7-10 years of industry experience.
All Commercial Property Surveyors should stay updated on industry practices and local property laws through ongoing education and professional development.
Commercial Property Surveyor Education and Training Requirements
Commercial Property Surveyors usually require a bachelor’s degree in surveying, geomatics, civil engineering, or a related field.
They need to have a strong foundation in geometry, algebra, and trigonometry.
Familiarity with the use of complex instruments and software, such as geographic information systems (GIS), is essential.
In the United States, all states require licensure to practice as a commercial property surveyor.
This typically involves passing the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exam, gaining work experience under a licensed surveyor, and then passing the Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) exam.
Additional certification can be obtained from the American Congress on Surveying and Mapping (ACSM), which offers the Certified Survey Technician (CST) designation.
This can potentially improve career prospects and highlight a candidate’s commitment to professionalism in the field.
There are also master’s degree programs available in surveying or related fields for those who want to further their knowledge or specialize in a certain area.
Continuing education is important for Commercial Property Surveyors to keep up with advances in technology and changes in laws related to land and property ownership.
Commercial Property Surveyor Salary Expectations
A Commercial Property Surveyor can expect to earn an average salary of $71,604 (USD) per year.
The actual salary can vary significantly based on factors such as experience, additional qualifications, the size and location of the employer, and the complexity of the tasks involved.
Commercial Property Surveyor Job Description FAQs
What skills does a Commercial Property Surveyor need?
Commercial Property Surveyors require strong analytical skills to assess properties, compare them to similar properties, and determine their value.
They should possess excellent interpersonal skills as they regularly interact with property owners, tenants, and potential buyers.
Having a keen attention to detail is important for examining properties, drafting reports, and maintaining accurate records.
Knowledge of local real estate markets and regulations, as well as proficiency in using property-related software, are also required.
Do Commercial Property Surveyors need a degree?
Yes, becoming a Commercial Property Surveyor typically requires a bachelor’s degree in surveying, construction, civil engineering, or a related field.
Many employers prefer candidates who have obtained a professional license or certification in property surveying.
Some roles may require a master’s degree or further professional development courses.
What should you look for in a Commercial Property Surveyor resume?
Look for a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and a professional license or certification in surveying.
Experience in commercial property surveying is a plus, especially if it involves the type of properties your organization deals with.
Knowledge of real estate laws, regulations, and market trends is important.
Proficiency in property-related software and strong analytical, communication, and report-writing skills should be evidenced in the resume.
What qualities make a good Commercial Property Surveyor?
A good Commercial Property Surveyor is methodical and detail-oriented, ensuring that no aspect of a property is overlooked during a survey.
They have strong analytical skills to accurately assess the value of properties.
Excellent communication skills are key, as they regularly interact with various stakeholders.
A good surveyor should also be able to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and have a solid understanding of the local real estate market.
Is it difficult to hire Commercial Property Surveyors?
Hiring Commercial Property Surveyors can be challenging due to the specific skills and qualifications required for the job.
Additionally, the demand for experienced surveyors often exceeds the supply.
It’s important to offer competitive salaries, opportunities for professional development, and a positive work environment to attract qualified candidates.
Conclusion
There you have it.
Today, we’ve given you an insider’s look into the world of a commercial property surveyor.
What’s more?
It’s not simply about assessing property value.
It’s about shaping the landscape of the business world, one property at a time.
Armed with our handy commercial property surveyor job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.
But why stop here?
Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your go-to resource for creating precise, engaging job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.
Remember:
Every property survey contributes to the bigger business picture.
Let’s shape that landscape. Together.
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