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.
In this episode
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
You can contact Richard on LinkedIn or email at Richard.Sexton@houzecheck.com
Today’s guest: Richard Sexton
Richard brings decades of experience across the UK property and valuation sector. He has been at the forefront of how surveying has changed, from the rise of desktop valuations to the impact of technology, data, and new business models. At Houzecheck, Richard leads commercial strategy for one of the most recognised valuation and surveying firms in the UK, shaping how surveyors can work flexibly, use tech more intelligently, and deliver consistent quality at scale.
Richard’s insight spans PI insurance, corporate vs independent practice, lender expectations, and where the profession is heading next. He understands how regulation, risk, and innovation collide and what this means for surveyors planning their future careers.
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