Built environment: UK mid-market investors eye up surveyors 

There are approximately 69,200 Chartered Surveyors working in the UK (Statista). Surveying practices cover a broad range of specialisations, ranging from quantity surveying and building surveying, through commercial and residential agency, to residential house surveys. Similarly, the size of practices ranges from global operations though to smaller local and regional players.  

Quality assets are coming onto the market, and we anticipate more opportunities for consolidation across the sector.  

I recently published an article on what is attracting investors to geospatial tech, read here. We’re seeing similar interest more broadly in surveyors who are taking advantage of emerging technologies (including 3D modelling (VR / AR), BIM tools and software, drones, AI architectural models etc.), automation in logistics, new building regulations and the impact of ESG on the property sector. 

I asked Peter Cookson a Chartered Surveyor (and our Managing Partner), what questions investors need to ask:  

• What is the range and specialisation of surveying services offered?  
• What does the M&A opportunity landscape look like in the sector, and how practical is a buy and build strategy?  
• Is growth forecast through new services in existing geographies, the same services in new geographies, or a combination of both? Is this realistic? How can the management team successfully navigate talent shortages to achieve their growth plan?  
• Does the back-office infrastructure support proposed growth and, if not, what needs to be built-out?  
• What impact will technological advancements (e.g. AI) have on the market?  

Get in touch with a member of the team about opportunities in the built environment sector.   

Brandon Matthews

bmatthew[email protected]
+44 7771 401 723