How updated surveyor guidelines are reshaping the future of UK property valuations.
If you’re planning to buy, sell, or remortgage your home, recent updates from RICS (The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) could impact you more than you think—especially if your property has spray foam insulation.
Here’s what every UK homeowner needs to know about the latest changes and how they might affect your plans.
🏡 Who Are RICS and Why Should You Care?
RICS is the professional body that sets the standards for chartered surveyors in the UK. When a bank or lender sends someone to inspect your home during a mortgage or remortgage process, chances are they’re RICS-accredited.
In short: if RICS says there’s a problem, lenders will listen.
⚠️ The Problem With Spray Foam
Spray foam insulation was once hailed as a miracle energy-saving upgrade. But in recent years, it's become a major red flag for surveyors—particularly in loft spaces.
Why? Because:
- It can hide signs of roof damage
- It makes timbers difficult to inspect
- It can retain moisture and cause rot
- Many installations were done without proper checks or ventilation
📝 What’s Changed?
RICS has updated its valuation guidance—the internal guidelines used by surveyors when assessing properties. This includes specific advice on how to report homes with spray foam insulation.
Key points from the update:
- Surveyors are instructed to exercise caution when assessing properties with spray foam.
- If spray foam is present, further investigation is usually required—often including a specialist timber and damp survey.
- In many cases, the property will be given a nil value until the spray foam is removed or proven to be non-defective.
Translation? Your mortgage application could be halted just because of what’s in your loft.
🔎 What Does This Mean for You?
If you have spray foam insulation—or are thinking of buying a home with it—these changes matter. You could:
- Be refused a mortgage
- Lose a potential buyer
- Be forced to remove the insulation at your own cost
Even if your insulation was installed as part of a government scheme or by a reputable company, that doesn’t guarantee compliance with surveyor expectations today.
🧠 What Should You Do Next?
Here’s our best advice for navigating the new RICS guidance:
✅ Don’t panic, but don’t ignore it. If you have spray foam, get a professional assessment.
✅ Speak to impartial experts before you agree to any removals or pay for further reports. Removal can be complex and expensive—and we’ve seen plenty of botched jobs.
✅ Contact the Spray Foam Advice Centre. We offer free, honest guidance to help you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
🛠️ Need Help? That’s What We’re Here For
Thousands of homeowners across the UK are facing challenges because of spray foam. Whether you’re struggling with a sale, trying to remortgage, or just want to understand your options, we’re here to help.
📲 Call us today
📞 Need advice? Our team offers honest, independent support with no pressure and no charge.
Call 0345 850 0445
or visit www.sfacuk.org
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