Top 5 claims risks facing surveyors in 2026

The professional indemnity (PI) market may feel softer, but claims are evolving. Courts, lenders and regulators are tightening expectations, and surveyors need to adapt. Here are the five biggest risks we expect to see in 2026, why they matter, and what you can do to prepare.

Valuation negligence / Cladding & building safety / Artificial Intelligence / Renters’ rights & property management / Subsidence risk

Valuation negligence – Method matters

Why this is a risk:

Valuation remains one of the biggest contributors to PI claim settlements. Courts apply the Bolam test – did you act in line with a responsible body of professional opinion? Originating from the 1957 case Bolam v Friern Hospital Management Committee, this principle means that if your approach aligns with accepted professional practice, you are less likely to be found negligent. However, recent cases confirm that it’s not enough for your figure to fall outside a “reasonable range”; you must show a clear, defensible method. The Court of Appeal decision in Bratt v Jones reinforced that claimants must prove both that the valuation was outside the reasonable bracket and that the valuer failed to exercise reasonable skill and care in their methodology. This makes clear documentation and reasoning essential for defending claims. Any potential market volatility and lender scrutiny make this even more critical.