Working as a Valuation Surveyor at Savills, one of the world’s leading property agents, means joining a brand synonymous with expertise, trust, and global real estate excellence. In this role, you’re responsible for assessing the market value of residential, commercial, and agricultural properties for purposes such as mortgages, tax, investment, or sale. You’ll also interact with clients, banks, legal professionals, and public bodies, making communication and integrity key skills.
The average salary for a Valuation Surveyor at Savills in the UK ranges between £35,000 and £55,000, depending on location, experience, and qualifications such as RICS accreditation. Senior surveyors can earn upwards of £70,000 with bonuses and benefits. With Savills’ worldwide presence and career progression opportunities, this role serves as a solid stepping stone for aspiring property professionals.
Top 20 Savills Valuation Surveyor Interview Questions and Answers
1. What interests you about working as a valuation surveyor at Savills?
Answer: I admire Savills’ commitment to professional excellence and sustainability. I’m drawn to the opportunity to work on high-profile projects with a globally respected brand that supports professional development and innovation.
2. Can you explain the valuation methods used for different property types?
Answer: Yes, I use comparative, income, and cost approaches depending on the property type. For residential properties, I often use the comparative method. For commercial buildings, I rely on the income method, focusing on yield and rental value.
3. How do you ensure accuracy in your valuations?
Answer: I follow RICS Red Book guidelines, cross-check comparable data, conduct thorough property inspections, and stay updated on market trends and local planning regulations.
4. Describe a challenging valuation project and how you handled it.
Answer: I once worked on a mixed-use development with limited comparables. I conducted extensive market research, consulted local agents, and adjusted for variables using DCF (Discounted Cash Flow) models, which resulted in a credible and accepted valuation.
5. What property legislation or regulation changes have impacted your work recently?
Answer: Changes in EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) requirements and the Building Safety Act 2022 have influenced valuations, especially for high-rise buildings and those with cladding concerns.
6. How do you approach a client who disagrees with your valuation?
Answer: I listen carefully, explain my methodology, provide supporting evidence, and offer a review or second opinion if needed, ensuring transparency and professionalism.
7. How do you manage tight deadlines with multiple valuation requests?
Answer: I prioritize based on urgency, allocate time effectively using tools like project management software, and maintain clear communication with clients and team members to manage expectations.
8. Can you walk me through a residual land valuation?
Answer: Sure. I estimate the Gross Development Value (GDV), deduct development costs, professional fees, and developer’s profit to arrive at a residual land value, ensuring all assumptions are justified with market data.
9. How do you keep your valuation knowledge and skills up to date?
Answer: I attend RICS CPD courses, subscribe to industry publications like Estates Gazette, and participate in internal training and peer review sessions.
10. What valuation software tools are you proficient in?
Answer: I’m experienced with Argus Enterprise, KEL DCF, and Microsoft Excel for modelling, as well as in-house CRM and GIS tools for data mapping and report generation.
11. Describe your experience with RICS Valuation – Global Standards (Red Book).
Answer: I ensure all valuations comply with Red Book standards. This includes adopting ethical practices, applying consistent methodologies, and producing clearly documented, objective reports.
12. How do you handle valuation for properties with limited market data?
Answer: I use alternative methods like the income approach or DCF, adjust for differences based on expert judgment, and clearly state assumptions to maintain transparency.
13. Why do you want to leave your current role?
Answer: I’m looking for a dynamic environment with broader exposure to complex, high-value properties. Savills offers that, along with a strong emphasis on professional growth and innovation.
14. How do you approach valuing leasehold versus freehold properties?
Answer: For leasehold, I assess the lease terms, ground rent, and unexpired term. Freehold is more straightforward, often using comparables unless there’s development potential or other complexities.
15. Can you give an example of when your valuation was contested and how you defended it?
Answer: A lender questioned a low valuation I provided. I presented detailed comparables, explained the market conditions, and cited RICS guidance, which reassured them and avoided escalation.
16. How do you account for environmental risks in a valuation?
Answer: I flag contamination risks, flood zones, and EPC ratings in my reports. Where relevant, I consult environmental surveys and factor in remediation costs or value adjustments.
17. What’s your approach to client relationship management?
Answer: I prioritize regular updates, clear communication, and post-valuation support. Building trust through reliability and integrity is key to maintaining long-term relationships.
18. How do you handle confidential information?
Answer: I adhere strictly to data protection laws and RICS ethical standards. I only share information on a need-to-know basis and use secure systems for documentation.
19. What do you think differentiates Savills from its competitors?
Answer: Savills stands out for its global footprint, high client retention, integrated services, and forward-thinking approach to digital transformation in the property sector.
20. Do you have any questions for us?
Answer: Yes, could you tell me more about how Savills supports career progression and what a typical development pathway looks like for valuation professionals here?
Final Tips and Encouragement for Acing Your Savills Valuation Surveyor Interview
Preparation is everything. Research the company thoroughly—its current projects, values, and recent news. Align your answers with the competencies Savills looks for: technical expertise, integrity, attention to detail, and client focus.
Practice answering questions out loud. Be clear and confident, and back up your statements with specific examples from your experience. Keep your tone professional, yet conversational.
Dress sharply, arrive early, and bring a copy of your CV, credentials, and a notepad. And most importantly, remember: interviews are a two-way street. You’re also assessing whether Savills is the right fit for you.
Believe in your value—you’ve worked hard to get here. Now it’s your time to shine.
