Marvin OnumonuResearch from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) found nine in 10 surveyors said their work was affected by skills shortages in the UK and worldwide.
Nearly a third described the situation as “critical” and said it was hitting project delivery and productivity.
Another two-thirds said the shortage was “moderate” but could get worse without action.
The most severe shortages were in building surveying and quantity surveying, both key for new homes, infrastructure and decarbonisation projects.
Two-thirds of surveyors said an ageing workforce and high retirement rates were main causes, and new recruits were not coming in fast enough.
More than half said the shortage was cutting work capacity and output.
Two-fifths reported rising costs and over a quarter said innovation was slowing down across the built environment.
Additionally, data found that 60% were positive about artificial intelligence (AI), seeing it as a way to boost outcomes and efficiency.
Most rejected concerns about job security or being overwhelmed by technology, especially younger surveyors.
Two-thirds of 17 to 34-year-olds said they were confident about the digital future.
Many saw advanced digital skills, data analytics and big data management as top training priorities, along with decarbonisation and financial management.
Surveyors said solutions included more apprenticeships and work-based learning, better promotion of surveying careers, upskilling current professionals, and stronger links between academia and industry.
Nick Maclean, acting president at RICS, said: “The results speak for themselves – there is an enormous demand for surveyors, and the profession is swiftly advancing with the pace of technological change.
“These are immense opportunities for both a new generation of surveyors and for existing professionals to upskill across the exciting landscape of technological change.
“Closing the skills gap is a crucial part of delivering the 1.5 million new homes target, as well as the essential infrastructure improvements that the Government has committed to in its ten-year strategy.
“RICS continues to listen and act on the advice of its members, leading the profession into the future.”
