THE ESTATE SURVEYOR AND VALUER IS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER SURVEYORS

ESVEUNICE NEME AGU

“The Distinction of Estate Surveyors and Valuers in the Built Environment?

As a seasoned Estate Surveyor and Valuer, I’ve encountered numerous instances where clients have approached me with job offers that, although well-intentioned, fell outside my professional purview. This highlights a common misconception about the roles of various professionals in the built environment sector, particularly between Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Quantity Surveyors, and Land/other Surveyors.

Estate Surveyors and Valuers (ESVs) are uniquely qualified professionals trained in the art and science of estate management. Our expertise lies in directing and supervising interests in landed property to maximize returns for property owners. As members of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) and registrants of the Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON), we adhere to rigorous standards and regulations that govern our profession.

The scope of our work encompasses property valuation, investment analysis, property management, and consultancy services, all aimed at optimizing property value and performance. By understanding the intricacies of the property market and staying abreast of industry developments, Estate Surveyors and Valuers play a critical role in ensuring that property owners, investors, and other stakeholders make informed decisions.

Key roles and responsibilities of the Estate Surveyor and Valuer are as follows:

Valuation: Determining the current market value of all types of property and interests in land as well as plant, machinery and equipments including electricity, oil and gas, aviation and marine instllations and infrastructure for various purposes which could be rental, purchase, sale, mortgage, probate, insurance, compulsoery acquisition, taxation etc.

Property and Facilities Management: Overseeing landed properties, handling tenant relations and overseeing leases and maintenance to ensure optimal use and profitability and maximum returns for the owners
Real estate agency: Acting as an intermediaries to market, buy or sell real and personal property on behalf of clients.
Land use planning: Advising in the development of urban and regional master plans as well as the optimal use of land to meet social and economic needs.
Feasibility studies: Conducting financial appraisals and viability studies for proposed real estate development projects.
Professional advice: Providing expert advice and guidance on real estate investments, development potential and market trends to enable clients make informed decisions.
Dispute resolution: Acting as arbitrators or mediators in property-related conflicts.
Project management: Managing development projects from start to finish.

Some of the other Surveyors who are sometimes misconstrued as Estate Surveyors are:
Quantity Surveyor
Quantity Surveyors belong to the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) and are registered with the Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria (QSRBN). Their focus is on construction project costs and procurement. Their responsibilities include:

• Cost Management: Estimating and managing construction project costs.
• Procurement: Assisting in tendering and contract procurement processes.
• Project Documentation: Preparing project documents like bills of quantities.

Land Surveyor
Land Surveyors study Surveying and Geoinformatics, belong to the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS) and are registered by the Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON). They specialize in measurement and mapping of land and other features on the earth’s surface.
Their work involves:

• Land Measurement: Measuring and mapping land boundaries
• Topographic Surveys: Conducting surveys for construction project planning.
• Boundary Disputes: Resolving land boundary disputes.
  Note that the Land Surveyors do not stop at mapping land alone but have other specialisations such as: Geodetic, Hydrographic, Marine, cadastral, photogrammetric, Geomatic, Mineral, Aerial, Cartographic, Satellite etc surveying.

Key Differences

• Focus: Estate Surveyors focus on property value and management; Quantity Surveyors on construction costs; Land Surveyors on land measurement.
• Skills: Each profession requires unique skills and expertise.
• Roles: Their roles in projects are distinct, contributing to different aspects of real estate and construction.

It is essential to recognize the distinct roles of professionals in the built environment to avoid confusion and ensure that projects and properties are handled by the right experts. By doing so, we can harness the full potential of our properties and contribute to the growth and development of our economy.”