Building Surveyors at Savills are at the forefront of property and construction consultancy, responsible for assessing the condition of buildings, managing repairs, advising on regulatory compliance, and contributing to the overall lifecycle of property assets. It’s a high-impact role that combines technical knowledge with client-facing excellence.
Savills is a global real estate powerhouse, and working as a Building Surveyor here means collaborating on some of the UK’s most prestigious commercial and residential properties. With salaries typically ranging from £35,000 to £55,000 for mid-level surveyors and up to £75,000+ for senior-level professionals, this position not only offers financial rewards but also an enriching career path.
Whether you’re fresh out of university or transitioning from another consultancy, preparing for your Savills interview is key to unlocking this opportunity.
Top 20 Savills Building Surveyor Interview Questions and Sample Answers
1. Tell us about your experience as a building surveyor.
Answer: I’ve worked across both commercial and residential sectors, with a strong focus on condition surveys, contract administration, and dilapidation reports. In my last role, I led a £1.2M refurbishment project, managing everything from procurement to client handover.
2. Why do you want to work for Savills?
Answer: Savills’ reputation for innovation and client service is unmatched. I admire the company’s balance between global resources and local expertise. I’m particularly drawn to your sustainability-led surveying strategy.
3. How do you approach defect diagnosis?
Answer: I begin with a thorough visual inspection, followed by moisture readings or structural monitoring if required. I then analyze building materials, age, and previous work to identify root causes before recommending practical, cost-effective solutions.
4. What surveying software are you proficient in?
Answer: I’m skilled in AutoCAD, Revit, and industry-specific platforms like BCIS and GoReport. I also use Excel for cost tracking and scheduling.
5. How do you handle conflicting deadlines?
Answer: I prioritize based on project impact and urgency, communicate openly with stakeholders, and delegate where possible. I also use project management tools like MS Project to maintain visibility on timelines.
6. Explain your knowledge of building regulations.
Answer: I stay up to date with Part B (Fire Safety), Part L (Energy Efficiency), and other relevant sections. I’ve ensured compliance on numerous refurbishment projects and liaise with local authorities regularly for approvals.
7. Describe a time when you handled a difficult client.
Answer: One client was dissatisfied with project delays due to unforeseen structural issues. I provided transparent reports, arranged additional site visits, and offered phased alternatives, ultimately rebuilding their trust.
8. What is your experience with party wall matters?
Answer: I’ve acted as both Building Owner’s and Adjoining Owner’s Surveyor, drafting awards and resolving disputes. I ensure compliance with the Party Wall Act and maintain impartial communication throughout.
9. How do you ensure quality in your reports?
Answer: I cross-check findings, support statements with photographic evidence, and review drafts against client briefs and regulatory standards before submission.
10. Have you ever had to challenge a contractor’s work?
Answer: Yes, during a fit-out project I identified subpar fireproofing installation. I documented the issues, halted progress, and worked with the contractor to correct it before resuming.
11. What’s your understanding of sustainability in surveying?
Answer: I integrate BREEAM principles and advise on energy-efficient materials and systems. At my previous role, I helped a client cut carbon emissions by 20% through a green retrofit plan.
12. How do you stay current with industry trends?
Answer: I attend RICS CPD sessions, read publications like Building and Property Week, and engage in peer discussion forums.
13. Are you chartered? If not, what’s your plan?
Answer: I’m currently enrolled in the RICS APC process with my final assessment scheduled in 6 months. I’ve completed all required competencies and maintain a strong case study portfolio.
14. What sectors do you have the most experience in?
Answer: My main experience lies in the commercial office and residential refurbishment sectors. I’ve also contributed to heritage building assessments and retail space adaptations.
15. Describe your role in project management.
Answer: I manage scopes, monitor costs, liaise with stakeholders, and conduct risk assessments. I also ensure work aligns with CDM regulations and client timelines.
16. What are dilapidations, and how do you manage them?
Answer: Dilapidations are tenant obligations to restore premises before lease end. I carry out assessments, prepare schedules, and negotiate settlements with landlords and tenants.
17. How do you handle confidential or sensitive information?
Answer: I strictly follow GDPR protocols and ensure data security across all platforms. I only share information with authorized personnel and always anonymize data when presenting to third parties.
18. What do you know about Savills’ service offering?
Answer: Beyond surveying, Savills offers planning, valuation, estate management, and investment services. I’m especially impressed by your ESG consultancy and digital transformation initiatives.
19. How would you respond if a client disagrees with your professional opinion?
Answer: I would explain the rationale behind my assessment, present supporting data, and offer alternative solutions where possible while maintaining professional integrity.
20. What are your career aspirations at Savills?
Answer: I aim to gain chartership, take on project leadership roles, and contribute to strategic service innovations. I’d love to mentor junior surveyors and be part of the team shaping Savills’ future.
Final Interview Coaching and Encouragement
Preparing for a role as a Building Surveyor at Savills means more than just memorizing answers. Research the company, rehearse your responses, and practice your delivery with a friend or mentor.
Dress professionally, show enthusiasm, and bring a portfolio of previous projects or reports if applicable. And don’t forget to ask thoughtful questions—this shows you’re serious about your long-term contribution.
Believe in your capability, stay composed, and remember: interviews are just structured conversations. You’ve made it this far—go in and show them why you’re the perfect fit for Savills.
