Residential Property Appraisal, Volumes 1 and 2, are handbooks not only for students studying residential surveying but also for those involved in the appraisal of residential property.

Volume 1 has been updated and covers the valuation process as it relates to residential properties, particularly when valuation is undertaken for secured lending purposes. It addresses the basic skills required, the risks posed in a valuation, the key drivers of value, emerging issues that impact valuation and the key legal and RICS regulatory considerations that a valuer needs to understand.

Volume 2 of the series goes on to consider the practical aspects of the survey and inspection of residential properties in more detail. Not only does this include updated sections on the most common defects (for example, building movement, moisture problems, wood rot and wood-boring insects), it also covers emerging challenges, including assessing personal safety hazards, modern construction technologies and materials and invasive plants. The volume also takes account of the Home Survey Standard recently published by the RICS and the changes resulting from climate change, the energy crisis and concerns about fire safety.

Building services in domestic residential properties is another area of rapid change, especially with the development of low-carbon and renewable technologies. To ensure that this aspect is covered in sufficient detail, the content is to be included in Volume 3: Assessing Building Services.

An essential book for students studying to enter the residential survey and valuation profession and for existing practitioners who wish to improve their knowledge of current practices.