Summary

In this first episode, I speak with Richard Sexton, Commercial Director at Houzecheck. Richard has worked across the property and valuation sector for more than three decades, including corporate roles at LSL and exposure to major market shifts from the 1990s crash through to COVID. We talk about how desktop valuations have developed, how corporates compare with independent practices, and how technology and AI are shaping everything from reporting to customer experience.

This is a grounded, honest conversation about the realities of residential surveying today and the opportunities ahead for the profession.

What we cover

– Richard’s career path across valuations and property services
– The rise of desktop valuations and why they are here to stay
– Corporate vs independent surveying models
– Houzecheck’s flexible consultant model
– How PropTech and AI are influencing reporting and quality control
– The impact of legislation on upfront condition surveys
– PI insurance challenges and what may change
– Career advice for new and experienced surveyors
– Why residential surveying still has huge long-term potential

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:33 Meet Richard Sexton

00:58 Richard's Career Journey

03:38 The Evolution of Desktop Valuations

05:52 Corporate vs. Independent Surveying

09:47 Houzecheck's Business Model

10:55 The Role of Technology in Surveying

17:29 Legislation and Upfront Condition Surveys

22:41 Professional Indemnity Insurance Challenges

27:36 Final Thoughts and Career Advice

29:34 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Learn more about Houzecheck

You can contact Richard on LinkedIn or email at Richard.Sexton@houzecheck.com

If you want to connect with surveyors across the UK and keep up with the profession, join The Surveying Room. It is free to join and open to all types of surveyors, students, and professionals who work with them. Surveyors UK & The Surveying Room

Connect with me - Nina Young on LinkedIn