Director Hilary Grayson spends a lot of her time working on new certifications that will improve her abilities in the housing industry. 2003 saw her join Sava. She describes how Sava has brought democracy to the surveying industry.
Sava is commemorating 40 years of providing professional services, technology, and education to the residential real estate industry this year. We take great pride in the fact that our flagship surveying diploma—the Diploma in Residential Surveying and Valuation—has upended the conventional path into the field, among our many other accomplishments.

A degree or A-levels were once the only path to admission, but we decided to introduce a qualification that concentrated on the abilities and competency needed to perform the job instead, so we are not requiring either of those prerequisites.

Because of our inclusive approach, a wide range of individuals with various professional backgrounds are choosing to enrol. We like to think that by providing opportunities to some great students who otherwise would not have had them, we have democratized the surveying profession. The alumni of this year’s cohort, who range in age from 18 to 68, include hairdressers, teachers, police officers, and soldiers who left the army to pursue jobs in surveying. Nowadays, a lot of them hold prosperous firms of their own.

We think that a person’s ability to succeed in the surveying sector is not limited by their lack of education or academic performance.

In the UK, there are 29 million residential dwellings. Their combined value is estimated to be more than £7.4 trillion. They are a highly valuable national resource from both a social and economic standpoint. For each person, the house offers safety, refuge, and a sense of identity. Nevertheless, there are numerous issues with our housing, thus we require skilled surveyors who can maintain and enhance the stock of housing in the country. Among the problems we must address are energy efficiency and its effect on climate change, the cost-effectiveness of staying warm, and the provision of a safe and hazard-free environment.

By enhancing knowledge and abilities, Sava is enabling individuals and institutions to positively influence the quality of buildings by providing them with the tools and know-how required to flourish in a world that is changing quickly. Our students leave with a credential that is respected in the industry and a thorough understanding of how most houses are built and what may go wrong.

Instead of emphasizing prior credentials, we inquire with prospective students about their availability to dedicate a maximum of 20 hours per week towards completing the certification. This is crucial, in addition to having their family’s understanding and support and the clarity of mind needed to concentrate on the necessary tasks. Having a strong interest in real estate, however, is the most crucial component. Our students—as well as those who have previously met the requirements—love touring properties and giving clients advice on the greatest aspects of their homes, the areas that require maintenance, their overall value, and the chances to customize them for future requirements. It’s a fulfilling and meaningful work, as our own statistics amply demonstrate.

96% of Sava graduates secure job within three months of graduation, and the average wage for a graduate after three years of work is £61,000. This is in addition to the really real prospect of being able to start and operate a self-sufficient firm and enjoy all the advantages that accompany it.