RICS, the mark of property professionalism worldwide, has successfully expanded its firms regulation operations in Europe since they were introduced in November 2010. More than 210 firms across continental Europe are now ‘Regulated by RICS’ (see the list below updated on a weekly basis).

The ‘Regulated by RICS’ designation confirms a firm’s commitment to follow a strict code of conduct and maintain the highest level of professional and ethical standards. Regulated firms are monitored by one of the world's leading professional regulatory bodies – demonstrating their commitment to a strict code of conduct and maintaining the highest levels of professional and ethical standards.

Firm regulation ensures increased protection for the public, as firms are required to respond to all complaints and to have adequate professional indemnity insurance in the event of financial loss and/or professional duty breaches.

Firms in continental Europe can apply to be ‘Regulated by RICS’ on a voluntary basis. To sign up for RICS regulation, at least 50% of the directors or principals in the firm need to be RICS members.

For more information, contact Jory Buhay, European Regulation Manager, at jbuhay@rics.org or Lavinia Cinca, European Regulation Officer, at lcinca@rics.org"

To find out more about Regulation in Europe, log on to
www.rics.org/regulationeurope

Read below the comments of RICS members on the benefits of the 'Regulated by RICS' designation:

In Germany, Jan Bärthel MRICS, Managing Director Wüest & Partner Germany declared:

“For the last 25 years Wüest & Partner’s high professional and ethical standards have formed the foundation of the independence and success of our advisory and valuation services. The new RICS company regulation in Germany provides our organisation with a tool that enables us to effectively communicate our commitment to maintaining the highest standards. Wüest & Partner is pleased to be one of the first German companies to be 'Regulated by RICS'.”

In Spain, Pedro García Carro MRICS, Property & Facility Management Corporate Director, Neinver Asset Management España stated:

“The excellence of our service has always been the main goal in NEINVER Asset Management. To ensure this excellence level, professional and ethical standards should be maximum and RICS represents that commitment. By being ‘regulated by RICS’ we are sending a clear message to the market, our clients and providers regarding the quality of our internal processes and team in order to accomplish our goal of excellence. We are proud to be one of the first facility management companies regulated by RICS in Europe”.

In Germany, John Atkins MRICS, EC Harris Country Leader for Germany commented:

“High professional and ethical standards are of utmost importance in today’s business world. RICS is an institution that leads the way in ensuring that these standards are observed and continuously improved. EC Harris Germany is committed to these principles and we are very proud to be one of the first companies in Germany to be ‘Regulated by RICS’.”

In The Netherlands, Jaap van Rhijn MRICS from Colliers International, said:

“Colliers International was the first firm to subscribe for the ‘Regulated by RICS’ designation in the Netherlands. This designation, recently launched in continental Europe, represents the highest ethical standards in daily business practices.”

In The Netherlands, Ing. A.M. Bilderbeek MRICS from Bilderbeek Vastgoed, said:

“Regulation by RICS makes a difference in your company. It shows that not only the members of RICS in your company work according to high professional standards, but the whole organisation. Therefore as a client you are assured that services are conducted with integrity, accuracy and quality. Even as a small company RICS gives us the opportunity to make a positive difference with our competitors in a time in which stability, certainty and reliability are needed.”

In France, Denis François FRICS, CEO of CB Richard Ellis – Valuation, said:

“This qualification is a proof of a firm’s commitment to follow a strict set of rules when dealing with clients and carrying out valuations. It contributes to the continuing improvement of our profession and to its recognition.”

In Italy, Fabrizio Giacon MRICS, from Yard Valtech, said:

“Being an “RICS regulated and certified firm” can certainly represent an added value in the property industry as here in Italy RICS means professionalism and quality. Both local and international clients trust and rely on RICS. In addition to that, being an RICS firm also means complying with Rules of Conduct which guarantee transparency and reliability in the real estate market”

In Spain, Alastair Kinloch MRICS, Property Works Chartered Surveyors, commented:

“Tighter regulation of the surveying profession can only lead to better public and client confidence in our services and products. It will help us to ensure our company maintains standards; remaining compliant, competitive and forward thinking.”

In Belgium, Peter Garré FRICS, Director of Bopro, commented:

“RICS gives support to the growth of my business nationally as well as internationally, building partnerships through the confidence people have in RICS values and professionalism.”

In Cyprus, Antonis Loizou FRICS, from Antonis Loizou & Associates, said:

“Regulated by RICS is a sign that following a strict code of conduct in our operations and when dealing with clients. In an increasingly competitive business environment, and following a period of marked turbulence, it’s critical for clients and partners to feel that they are working with a professional firm which adheres to the rules and regulations of the most respected global brand in real estate”

In Turkey, Cansel Turgut Yazici FRICS, from EVA Real Estate Appraisal Consultancy, said:

“We believe that, by using the designation “Regulated by RICS”, we are not only strengthening our firm in the Turkish market as a valuation company, but also helping us to improve our standards in customer satisfaction. On the other hand, being part of a worldwide organisation will give perspectives for new business partnerships.”

Go to our Regulated firms fact sheet