Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a surveyor? Maybe you've spotted one out in the field, measuring and marking, and wondered what their day-to-day routine looks like.

Find out as we sat down for a chat with our Regional Surveyor for South Wales, Jamie Picton-Turbervill, to discover what an average day looks like in the busy world of buy-to-let mortgages.

Can you tell us about your background and how long you’ve worked at Paragon for?

I am originally from the north of England, but I have lived in various parts of the world for several years, eventually settling in south Wales. After university I trained as a commercial surveyor which involved selling/letting a wide range of properties and providing advice to landlords and tenants on lease renewals and rent review negotiations. However, my primary role eventually became undertaking commercial valuations across industrial, office and retail sectors for a variety of purposes.

I joined Paragon in September 2020 with the intention of taking on a more specialised role in valuation, which so far, has been enjoyable and interesting.

What’s the purpose of your role?

My role involves undertaking mortgage valuations and security assessments of residential investment properties in support of the Group’s buy-to-let business, together with keeping the Group up-to-date with local market conditions and any technical/statutory developments.

What does a typical day look like for you; do you have a set routine?

I alternate my days between carrying out property inspections, followed by a day at home to complete the reports. On inspection days I leave first thing in the morning to travel to the various appointments, where I endeavour to complete five to six property inspections before returning home.

On domestic days I will then tackle the relevant reports as well as carrying out various other tasks, such as completing validations of panel surveyor valuation reports, suitability referrals and any other post valuation queries.

Are there any challenges that you face on a day-to-day basis?

Time management is an important factor especially between being on the road and spending time at the desk to ensure tasks are completed within the stipulated deadlines. It is a bit of a balancing act.

What do you love most about the job?

Every day is different with an opportunity to see a wide range of different properties, whilst meeting lots of different people. Working from home also allows for good flexibility and regular team meetings provide a good opportunity to catch up with my peers.

As you’re on the road for most of the day, do you feel there are any measures you take to make your vehicle use more efficient? 

I am provided with a fleet vehicle by Paragon for my inspections. When I had the opportunity for a vehicle upgrade, I made the change to a hybrid which is more eco-friendly. When booking in appointments for inspections, we always try and arrange them by postcode areas to minimise any unnecessary long journeys. 

Have you noticed any changes that landlords have implemented to ensure their properties are more sustainable?

There are proposals to change the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES). If implemented, this would see the raising of the energy performance standard for properties to an energy efficiency rating of C. This would apply to new tenancies from 2025 and all tenancies from 2028. If the proposals are accepted, the implications for landlords would be that properties scoring less than a C rating in an energy performance survey would no longer be able to be legally let.

It has been noted in my region that some landlords are taking advice on how to bring their properties up to standard, with some already making these improvements when undertaking refurbishments.

Are there any common misconceptions about being a surveyor?

We don’t all wear hard hats and hi-vis jackets whilst standing on the side of the road next to a device that looks like a speed camera!

Is there any advice you would give to someone that’s interested in becoming a surveyor?

Surveying is a very diverse profession involving many different sectors of industry. If you’re looking to embark upon a career in surveying, it’s very important to explore all areas of the profession to see which one you might find the most interesting and rewarding.

Ultimately, becoming a Chartered Surveyor is hard work. Upon graduating with an RICS accredited degree, it takes a dedicated mind and determined work ethic to complete the additional stages of development that will allow you to reach Chartered status.

What do you normally get up to in your spare time?

I enjoy sport and exercise, but whilst my rugby playing days are now behind me, during the week you’ll find me training in mixed martial arts most evenings. On the weekends I enjoy going to the rugby, whether it be local game or an international. I also enjoy travelling when time allows!