Buying a home is the biggest financial decision most of us will ever make. And in 2025, that decision is being shaped by a housing market that’s changing fast — from how homes are valued, to what buyers care about most.

Surveying, once a quiet corner of the property world, is now in the spotlight. Climate change, tech and tighter regulations are shaking things up, and surveyors are adapting fast.

One of the biggest shifts is the growing impact of climate risk. This year, the Law Society urged buyers to commission climate-specific surveys, highlighting serious risks like flooding, overheating and even coastal erosion. These aren’t future problems, they’re happening now, and they can seriously affect a property's insurability and long-term value.

At the same time, what buyers want from a home is evolving. First-time buyers in particular are looking beyond location and square footage, with 72% claiming energy efficiency is a top priority. But it’s not just about the planet. With energy bills still sky-high, 61% cite financial savings as their primary motivation for seeking a greener home.

That shift is filtering through to surveying. Energy performance ratings now play a bigger role in valuations, and surveyors are increasingly expected to flag how a home will perform, not just how it stands.

Tandem is a bank with sustainability at its core, offering green savings, home improvement loans and mortgages that reward energy efficiency. That focus on climate impact shapes how we think about everything, including how properties are assessed. Flood risk, insulation, energy use – these factors all matter more in a net-zero future.

And yes, we’re also making surveying simpler. On remortgages up to £700,000, we cover valuations, whether it’s an AVM or a full RICS report. If the application won’t move forward, we don’t charge a fee, so customers aren’t left out of pocket. We’ll also consider some non-standard construction types, so long as they’re mortgageable and saleable.

As the property market keeps evolving, the relationship between lenders and surveyors will only become more important. Whether it’s adapting to climate risks, reflecting what buyers actually care about or making the process more transparent — this isn’t just box-ticking anymore. It’s about building a better, more sustainable home-buying journey, from offer to ownership.

The future of property is changing. And we think that’s a good thing.

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