Professional Documents
Culture Documents
RICS property
measurement
2nd edition, January 2018
rics.org/guidance
rics.org
Copyright acknowledgment
IPMS: Residential Buildings is reproduced with permission from the
International Property Measurement Standards Coalition (IPMSC). Copyright
2016 International Property Measurement Standards Coalition. All rights
reserved.
IPMS: Office Buildings is reproduced with permission from the International
Property Measurement Standards Coalition (IPMSC). Copyright 2015
International Property Measurement Standards Coalition. All rights reserved.
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RICS property measurement
Working group
Alexander Aronsohn FRICS (RICS)
Robert Ash FRICS (Plowman Craven)
Peter Bolton King FRICS (RICS)
Patrick Bond FRICS (VOA)
Tim Bradford MRICS (Independent chartered surveyor)
Max Crofts FRICS (JLL)
Paul Cutbill FRICS (Countrywide)
Tom Pugh MRICS (Malcolm Hollis)
Dave Ramsey (RICS)
Sander Scheurwater (RICS)
Gary Strong FRICS (RICS)
RICS also wishes to thank Tom Pugh of Malcolm Hollis for his work on the
drawings for the professional statement and Professor Marc Grief of Mainz
University of Applied Sciences for preparing the original floorplans.
RICS Publishing:
Head of Publishing and Content: Sarah Crouch
Standards Publishing Manager: Antonella Adamus
Standards Publishing Project Manager: Ellie Scott
Editor: Joanne Fitzpatrick
Contents
RICS professional standards and guidance �������������������������������������������� 1
RICS professional statements ���������������������������������������������������������������� 1
Glossary ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 3
Part 1 – Professional statement: property measurement ����������������������� 5
1 Application of this professional statement ��������������������������������������� 7
1.1 Application
����������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 7
1.2 Use of IPMS ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 7
1.3 Unit of measurement �������������������������������������������������������������������� 7
1.4 Accuracy
�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 7
1.5 Effective date ������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 7
2 Technical definitions ���������������������������������������������������������������������������� 8
2.1 IPMS core definitions ������������������������������������������������������������������� 8
2.2 Application of IPMS ���������������������������������������������������������������������� 9
2.3 Limited use areas ����������������������������������������������������������������������� 10
2.4 Internal dominant face ���������������������������������������������������������������� 10
2.5 Component areas ���������������������������������������������������������������������� 13
2.6 Interface adjustment ������������������������������������������������������������������ 20
3 IPMS: Office Buildings as applied in the RICS professional
statement ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 21
3.1 IPMS 1 ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 21
3.2 IPMS 2 – Office �������������������������������������������������������������������������� 26
3.3 IPMS 3 – Office �������������������������������������������������������������������������� 30
3.4 Vehicle parking and ancillary areas within an office site boundary
���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 44
4 IPMS: Residential Buildings as applied in the RICS professional
statement ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 45
4.1 IPMS 1 ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 45
4.2 IPMS 2 – Residential ������������������������������������������������������������������ 52
4.3 IPMS 3 – Residential ������������������������������������������������������������������ 59
4.4 Comparing IPMS 3C – Residential with effective floor area (EFA)
as defined in the Code of measuring practice, 6th edition ���������� 70
4.5 Vehicle parking and ancillary areas within a residential site
boundary ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 70
Appendix A: Tolerances ��������������������������������������������������������������������������� 71
Appendix B: Further information ������������������������������������������������������������� 72
Part 2 – RICS IPMS data standard ���������������������������������������������������������� 73
5 RICS IPMS data standard ����������������������������������������������������������������� 74
Glossary
Balcony An external platform at an upper floor level with a balustrade to the open sides
projecting from or recessed from an External Wall and including in this definition
generally accessible rooftop terraces, external galleries and loggia.
Building An independent Structure forming part of a Property.
Catwalk An internal or external walkway above the surrounding area that provides higher
level access.
Clearance Height The maximum height within a Building or section of a Building measured to
the lowest point of the roof structural element, roof access door or building
equipment such as ducting, gantries, pipework and sprinklers.
Coalition The Trustees of IPMS, comprising not-for-profit organisations each with a public
interest mandate.
Common Facilities Those parts of a Building providing shared facilities that typically do not change
over time, including for example, circulation areas, stairs, escalators, lifts/
elevators and motor rooms, toilets, cleaners’ cupboards, plant rooms, fire refuge
areas, maintenance rooms and unallocated parking spaces.
Component One of the main elements into which the Floor Area of a Building can be divided.
Component Area The extent at ground level of the area of a Building covered by one or more roofs,
the perimeter of which (sometimes referred to as the drip line) is the outermost
structural extension, exclusive of ornamental overhangs.
EFA Effective Floor Area, which is used in the UK for council tax banding of flats and
maisonettes.
External Wall The external enclosure of a Building, which comprises the area between the
Internal Dominant Face and the outside of a Building.
Finished Surface The wall surface directly above the horizontal wall-floor junction, ignoring
skirting boards, cable trunking, heating and cooling units, and pipework.
Floor Area The area of a normally horizontal, permanent, load-bearing structure for each
level of a Building.
GEA Gross External Area as defined in the Code of measuring practice, 6th edition.
GIA Gross Internal Area as defined in the Code of measuring practice, 6th edition.
Internal Dominant Face (IDF) The internal finish comprising more than 50% of the floor to ceiling height for
each IDF Wall Section. If such does not occur, the Finished Surface is deemed to
be the IDF.
Internal Dominant Face (IDF) Wall Each internal finish of a section of an External Wall, ignoring the existence of any
Section columns, that is either recessed from or protrudes from its adjacent section.
(See Section 2.4 and Diagram 1.)
IPMS International Property Measurement Standards.
IPMSC The International Property Measurement Standards Coalition.
IPMS 1 The sum of the areas of each floor level of a Building measured to the outer
perimeter of external construction features, which may be reported on a
Component-by-Component basis for each floor of a Building.
IPMS 2 – Office The sum of the areas of each floor level of an office Building measured to the
Internal Dominant Face and reported on a Component-by-Component basis for
each floor of a Building.
IPMS 2 – Residential The sum of the areas of each floor level of a Building measured to the Internal
Dominant Face, which may be reported on a Component-by-Component basis for
each floor of a Building.
IPMS 3 – Office The Floor Area available on an exclusive basis to an occupier, but excluding
Standard Facilities, and calculated on an occupier-by occupier or floor-by-floor
basis for each Building.
IPMS 3 – Residential The Floor Area available on an exclusive basis to an occupier.
Loading Bay(s) Area(s) designed for vehicles next to or adjacent to a Loading Dock.
Loading Dock(s) Elevated platform(s) designed for receiving or dispatching goods or equipment.
Mezzanine An intermediate or partial storey, other than a Catwalk, between the floor levels
or roof of a Building and usually fully or partially open on one or more sides.
NIA Net Internal Area as defined in the Code of measuring practice, 6th edition.
Office Buildings A Building predominantly used for office purposes, whether or not part of the
Building is used for other purposes.
Patio A paved or floored terrace, adjacent to a Building, which may or may not be
covered by an independent framework.
Permanent Mezzanine A Mezzanine that is an integral part of the structure of a Building.
Property Any real estate asset in the built environment.
Property Industry Service Providers, Third Parties and Users with interests in real estate assets.
Residential Building A Building predominantly used for residential purposes, whether or not part of
the Building is used for other purposes.
Service Provider Any entity providing real estate advice to a User or Third Party including, but
not limited to, Valuers, surveyors, facility managers, property managers,
asset managers, agents and brokers, Space Measurement Professionals, cost
consultants, interior designers and architects.
Sheltered Area Any part of a Covered Area that is not fully enclosed.
Space Measurement Professional A Service Provider qualified by experience or training to measure Buildings in
accordance with IPMS.
SSC The Standards Setting Committee appointed by the IPMSC to develop global
standards for property measurement.
Standard Facilities See Common Facilities.
Structure A construction that provides shelter or serves an ancillary function, but is not
necessarily fully enclosed.
Temporary Mezzanine A Mezzanine that is not an integral part of the structure of a Building.
Third Party Any entity other than a User or Service Provider with an interest in property
measurement including, but not limited to, governments, banks, other property
financing bodies, data analysts and researchers.
User An owner-occupier, developer, investor, purchaser, vendor, landlord or tenant.
Valuer A Service Provider with an appropriate professional qualification in valuation or
appraisal.
Veranda An open or partly enclosed area on the outside of a Building at ground level (Level
0), and covered by a roof that is an integral part of the Building.
Vertical Section See IDF (Internal Dominant Face) Wall Section.
∫∫ date of measurement RICS members and RICS regulated firms must consider
∫∫ measurement standard adopted the following parameters when evaluating the level
of accuracy that could be expected from a measured
∫∫ if IPMS is not used, document the reason for
survey and one that is both achievable and acceptable:
departure
∫∫ What is the purpose of the measurement exercise?
∫∫ measurement methodology adopted (e.g. laser
measurer or tape measure) ∫∫ What are the client’s requirements and
expectations in terms of accuracy and confidence in
∫∫ scale of any plans used
measurement?
∫∫ floor area schedule with relevant areas cross-
∫∫ What are the building or site conditions at the time
referenced to floorplans
of survey that would influence how measurements
∫∫ unit of measurement and conversion factor, if are undertaken?
applicable (e.g. square feet to square metres) and
∫∫ What are the time/cost elements involved in the
∫∫ name of the RICS member and/or RICS regulated measurement and reporting?
firm responsible for the instruction.
∫∫ What would be the ramifications if the level of
accuracy is deemed insufficient for the purpose?
1.2 Use of IPMS
Consideration of these issues will enable the necessary
RICS members are expected to advise their client or equipment and procedures to be adopted for the various
employer on the benefits of using IPMS. However, it is stages of measurement and area calculation.
understood that IPMS is not suitable in all circumstances
and in these circumstances RICS members must 1.5 Effective date
document the reason for departure.
This professional statement (PS) takes effect from 1 May
2018.
RICS has prepared IPMS conversion pro formas (see
www.rics.org) that provide the formulas to convert Code
of measuring practice, 6th edition measurements into
IPMS. These will be updated to include other IPMS building
conversions when future IPMS standards are published.
2 Technical definitions
IPMS 3B – Residential Agency and valuation – a basis of measurement for valuation, Section 4.3.4
market analysis and marketing of residential properties for rental
and capital valuation.
Taxation – a basis of measurement for local taxation purposes,
where applicable.
Property and facilities management – a basis of measurement
for calculating, together with component areas within IPMS
2 – Residential, service charges in mixed-use buildings for the
apportionment of occupiers’ liability.
IPMS 3C – Residential Agency and valuation – a basis of measurement for valuation, Section 4.3.5
market analysis and marketing of residential properties for rental
and capital valuation.
Taxation – a basis of measurement for local taxation purposes,
where applicable.
Property and facilities management – a basis of measurement
for calculating, together with component areas within IPMS
2 – Residential, service charges in mixed-use buildings for the
apportionment of occupiers’ liability.
2.3 Limited use areas Example 5 - Area difference from covered area
Where a sheltered area is not functional for the primary
‘Service providers need to be aware that in certain markets use, this part of the covered area may be classified as a
there may be areas in buildings that are incapable of legal limited use area.’
or effective occupation due to local or national legislation.
Such areas and their limitations are to be identified, IPMS: Residential Buildings, 2.3
measured and stated separately within IPMS reported Copyright 2016 International Property Measurement
areas. For example, if areas are subject to a height Standards Coalition. All rights reserved.
restriction the height should be stated in the reporting
document and in any component area spreadsheet. Examples of potential additional limited use areas include:
Internal structural walls, columns: there may be a need
Users and third parties need to be aware that the inclusion to take account of the area taken up by the thickness of
of measured areas in IPMS does not necessarily mean that internal walls and/or columns when making a comparison
the areas are available for legal occupation or use. between IPMS and the Code of measuring practice, 6th
IPMS does not specify what a limited use area is, as that edition.
differs from market to market. For example, one market The examples above (with the exception of internal
may classify an area as limited use but in another it is not structural walls, columns) are drawn directly from IPMS:
regarded as limited use. In all cases the area is included Office Buildings and IPMS: Residential Buildings. The list is
but where appropriate identified as limited use.’ not exhaustive and members may wish to add other areas
IPMS: Residential Buildings, 2.3 in particular buildings, such as steps, ramps, disabled
access, etc. as considered appropriate. The adoption of
Copyright 2016 International Property Measurement limited use areas will vary according to circumstances but
Standards Coalition. All rights reserved. the IPMS figure will remain constant.
Limited use areas allow members and users to quantify
separately those areas in the relevant IPMS total, such as 2.4 Internal dominant face
areas with limited height, where special consideration may
need to be applied for valuation, leasing or other purposes. Internal dominant face (IDF), a new concept to RICS
members in many markets, was introduced in IPMS: Office
In some jurisdictions it is common practice to exclude, or Buildings. Its nomenclature and definition has been refined
treat differently, areas below 1.5m (5ft) in height. Limited for added clarity in IPMS: Residential Buildings, though
use areas also enable a comparison to be made between the underlying meaning of the definition is identical. It is
IPMS areas and Code of measuring practice areas, and recommended that the revised definitions for IDF and IDF
assist conversion from one to the other. wall section (previously called vertical section) are used for
Examples of potential limited use areas include: both office and residential buildings.
‘Example 1 - Area difference from internal dominant ‘The internal dominant face (IDF) is the inside finished
face surface comprising more than 50% of the floor to ceiling
height for each IDF wall section. If such does not occur,
There may be a need to show the difference, if any, in then the finished surface is deemed to be the IDF.
floor area between measurements taken to the internal
dominant face and measurements taken to the wall-floor An IDF wall section refers to each internal finish of a section
junction. of an external wall, ignoring the existence of any columns,
that is either recessed from or protrudes from its adjacent
Example 2 - Areas with limited height section. (See Diagram [1].)
In various markets, areas with limited height are identified If there is no internal dominant face, because no face in an
separately and this height can vary between jurisdictions. IDF wall section exceeds 50%, or if the internal dominant
When parts of a building with restricted height need to be face is not vertical, the measurement should be to the
separately identified, the clearance height is to be stated. finished surface.’
Example 3 - Areas with limited natural light IPMS: Residential Buildings, 4.3
In various jurisdictions, areas with limited natural light in a Copyright 2016 International Property Measurement
building may need to be identified separately. […] Standards Coalition. All rights reserved.
Example 4 - Above and below ground In practical terms, members will need to study the internal
finished surface of the wall and, where any IDF wall
A building is generally composed of floors [on the ground,]
section includes glazing or a wall surface that extends
above ground and possibly floors below ground. For
vertically to more than 50%, these areas will be measured
measuring purposes, this distinction may be important
to the internal face of that glazing or wall surface. For an
in determining the conditions under which the premises
illustration see Diagram 1: Internal dominant face.
may be used in compliance with local or national [labour]
legislation, rules on fitness for habitation or taxation.
Conservatory
Dining room
Kitchen G
H
A B2
Ground Garage
Living room
B3
B1
D
Bath Bedroom
B2
A
First
B3
G
B1
Bedroom Bedroom
Diagram 10: RICS gross internal area (GIA) Code of measuring practice
Diagram 12: RICS net internal area (NIA) Code of measuring practice upper floor, multi-occupancy
Limited use
area
d
c
Limited use
area
Glazing extends to
>50% of the
vertical section
(see Diagram 4
typical)
Diagram 14: RICS net internal area (NIA) Code of measuring practice upper floor, single occupancy
3.3.4 Comparing NIA measurements with The full-height glazing measurements are taken to the
glazing, being the internal dominant face as with the NIA
IPMS 3 – Office measurements.
It is recognised that RICS members may wish to compare
existing net internal area (NIA) measurements under the Additional areas included in IPMS 3 – Office compared to
Code of measuring practice with IPMS 3 – Office. It is also NIA under the Code of measuring practice are:
likely that members will want to convert NIA measurements • the window reveals where the vertical sections of these
to measurements for IPMS 3 – Office for dual reporting or glazed areas amount to >50% of the vertical section
for analysing market transactions on a like-for-like basis.
• columns and any associated ‘unusable space’ and
In order to make a direct comparison between NIA under • recessed lobby.
the Code of measuring practice and IPMS 3 – Office,
members should refer to Diagrams 15 and 16. IPMS 3 – Office is a constant measurement and must
always be reported as such. The number and extent
Diagram 15, showing NIA in a single tenancy floor of a of areas described as limited use may vary according
building, depicts: to circumstances or instructions and must always be
• measurements taken to the glazing, indicated on the identified separately within the IPMS 3 – Office total.
plan as full-height glazing
• measurements taken to the internal face of the
perimeter walls for the remainder of the measurements
• island and engaged columns are excluded, together
with ‘unusable space’
• standard building facilities are excluded and
• kitchen facilities and a cupboard are included as these
are part of the single occupation.
Diagram 16 shows the same occupation measured to
IPMS 3 – Office.
Diagram 15: RICS NIA Code of measuring practice – upper floor, single occupancy
4.1.3 Comparing IPMS 1 with Code of Start with the areas calculated to arrive at IPMS 1, being
the floor space coloured on Diagrams 19 and 21 (a
measuring practice measurements residential apartment and residential dwelling respectively)
IPMS 1 equates closely to the gross external area (GEA) then deduct the areas of:
measurement under the Code of measuring practice.
• external open or recessed balcony and
In order to make a direct comparison/conversion between/
• generally accessible rooftop terraces – these areas
from IPMS 1 and GEA, members should refer to:
should be treated with caution as rooftop terraces
• Diagram 19, which shows IPMS 1 for a residential would not normally be included in GEA, but it is
apartment possible that in some jurisdictions they are included.
• Diagram 21, which shows IPMS 1 for a residential To convert the GEA calculated under the Code of
dwelling measuring practice to arrive at IPMS 1 the steps are
reversed.
• Diagram 20, which shows GEA under the Code of
measuring practice and
• Diagram 22 for the GEA of a residential dwelling.
The component areas in IPMS 1 and IPMS 2 – Residential: • open light wells
‘may be used when areas need to be separately allocated • upper level voids of an atrium
for cost or other purposes under IPMS 1 and IPMS 2.’ • any ground level areas or structures beyond the
IPMS: Residential Buildings, 4.1 external wall such as sheltered areas
• external car parking
Copyright 2016 International Property Measurement
Standards Coalition. All rights reserved. • external catwalks and
• external loading bays.
4.2.2 Definition These and other ground level areas that are not fully
‘IPMS 2 – Residential: The sum of the areas of each floor enclosed are not to be included within IPMS 2 – Residential
level of a residential building measured to the internal but may be stated separately.
dominant face, which may be reported on a component-
by-component basis for each floor of a building. 4.2.4 Comparing IPMS 2 – Residential with
In many markets, but not universally, this is similar to gross Code of measuring practice
internal area [GIA].’ IPMS 2 – Residential equates closely to the gross internal
IPMS: Residential Buildings, 3.2.2 area (GIA) measurement and net sales area (NSA) under
the Code of measuring practice.
Copyright 2016 International Property Measurement
Standards Coalition. All rights reserved. In order to make a direct comparison between IPMS 2 –
Residential and GIA, refer to Diagrams 23 to 26.
4.2.3 Measurement practice Diagrams 23 and 25 show the IPMS 2 – Residential for
‘Measurements for IPMS 2 – Residential are to be taken residential apartments and dwellings respectively; those
to the internal dominant face for external construction areas coloured on the plans show the elements included in
features and otherwise to the finished surface.’ the measurement.
If required, IPMS 2 – Residential can be reported on a Diagrams 24 and 26 show the corresponding GIA
component- by- component basis for each floor of a measurements again with the areas coloured that form part
building. The aggregate of the component areas minus of the measurement.
component area B1 (external wall) must equal IPMS 2 – The following steps need to be taken:
Residential. For multi-unit buildings, areas in exclusive use
and common facilities can be stated separately. Start with the areas calculated to arrive at IPMS 2 –
Residential, which will include all the component areas in
Inclusions: 3.4.1 shown coloured in Diagram 3, then deduct:
IPMS 2 – Residential includes all areas within the IDF • in respect of internal open-sided balconies or galleries,
including internal walls, columns and enclosed walkways or in some jurisdictions and within jurisdictions, different
passages between separate buildings, available for direct interpretations of the Code of measuring practice may
or indirect use. Covered void areas such as atria are only have been adopted regarding their inclusion within
included at their lowest floor level.’ GIA. They are labelled ‘H’ at the top of Diagram 3
IPMS: Residential Buildings, 3.2.2 and in Diagram 4. Members should be aware of the
interpretation adopted when making comparisons
Copyright 2016 International Property Measurement between IPMS and the Code of measuring practice
Standards Coalition. All rights reserved. and should consider whether a deduction for this area
should be made to avoid double counting and for • generally accessible rooftop terraces. These areas
consistency should be treated with caution as rooftop terraces
• balconies (often referred to as external open-sided would not normally be included in GIA, but it is
balconies), labelled ‘H’ at the bottom of Diagram 3 and possible that in some jurisdictions they are included.
in Diagram 4. These should be treated with caution as To convert the GIA calculated under the Code of
external balconies would not normally be included in measuring practice to arrive at IPMS 2 – Residential the
GIA, but it is possible that in some jurisdictions they steps are reversed.
are included
• verandas should be treated with caution as verandas
would not normally be included in GIA, but it is
possible that in some jurisdictions they are included
• in respect of the internal dominant face, the areas
within window reveals where the internal dominant
face is taken to the glazing (an example of an interface
adjustment) and
4.3 IPMS 3 – Residential Note that the areas occupied by internal walls or columns
are included in IPMS 3A –Residential and IPMS 3B –
Residential. The floor area occupied by stairs is only to
4.3.1 Use be included at the lowest level. All vertical penetrations
or voids that are greater than 0.25m2 [2.7ft2], including
‘IPMS 3 – Residential is for measuring the occupation of
the enclosing wall, are to be excluded from the floor area
floor areas in exclusive use.
measurement.
The SSC has researched international property markets
In some cases, in addition to the IPMS 3 measurements
and identified different measurement bases that need to be
stated below, service providers and users may also wish
accommodated. Some markets require only one of these
to state individual room dimensions. Dimensions are to
measurement bases, but others may use two or more for
be to the internal dominant face or finished surface, as
different purposes.
appropriate.’
It is not appropriate for a service provider to simply
IPMS: Residential Buildings, 3.3.2
state that the measurement is in accordance with IPMS
3 – Residential. The reference must include whether Copyright 2016 International Property Measurement
the measurement is IPMS 3A – Residential, IPMS 3B – Standards Coalition. All rights reserved.
Residential or IPMS 3C – Residential.’
IPMS: Residential Buildings, 3.3.1 4.3.3 IPMS 3A – Residential
Copyright 2016 International Property Measurement ‘IPMS 3A - Residential: The area in exclusive occupation is
Standards Coalition. All rights reserved. measured as follows:
• IPMS 3C: an internal measurement excluding internal Measurements included but stated separately and
walls, etc. – equates somewhat to EFA. individually:
• Attics, basements/cellars
4.3.2 Definition
• Balconies and verandas in exclusive use
‘IPMS 3 – Residential: The floor area available on an
• Garages
exclusive basis to an occupier.
• Limited use areas.
[Inclusions:]
Measurements excluded but which may be stated
IPMS 3 – Residential is not directly related to IPMS 1 or separately and individually:
IPMS 2 – Residential, nor is it a component area.
• Patios
In a multi-occupied building each unit would have its
own IPMS 3 measurement. Service providers must • Unenclosed parking areas, which may be measured or
always specify to users and third parties which IPMS 3 – defined by number of spaces
Residential basis is reported. • Staircase openings [above Level o]
Depending on the variation used (IPMS 3A, 3B or 3C – • Voids where the area, including the enclosing wall (if
Residential), the measurements for IPMS 3 – Residential there is one), is greater than 0.25m2 [2.7ft2]
may need be taken to the outer face or the internal • Vertical penetrations that form part of common
dominant face of the external wall, while other walls would facilities.’
be measured to the finished surface or the centre-line, as
more fully described below. IPMS: Residential Buildings, 3.3.3
Copyright 2016 International Property Measurement
Standards Coalition. All rights reserved.
Table 6: Comparison chart – IPMS 3A – Residential, IPMS 3B – Residential and IPMS 3C – Residential
Appendix A: Tolerances
Survey scale Accuracy (X,Y) Minimum size of Example of survey Typical use
feature to be shown
to scale without
generalisation
1:20 +/– 5mm 10mm Engineering surveying High accuracy engineering output,
and setting out, high structural steel and complex
accuracy measured refurbishment, high value
commercial property.
1:50 +/– 10mm 20mm Engineering surveying Building surveys, refurbishment
and setting out, and space planning, demolition
measured building and structural engineering,
surveys, high commercial area registration.
accuracy topographic
surveys, determined
boundaries, area
registration.
1:100 +/– 25mm 50mm Measured building General arrangement drawings
surveys, low accuracy for space planning, estate
setting out, net area agency, residential valuation,
surveys, valuation low accuracy commercial
surveys. development and valuation.
1:200 +/– 50mm 100mm Low accuracy Planning, building footprint or
measured building detail design.
surveys.
Notes
Table 7 above is derived from the RICS guidance note
Measured surveys of land, buildings and utilities, 3rd
edition (November 2014), section 2.3 Survey accuracy
band table.
The survey accuracies shown are industry standard. It is
recommended that surveyors and service providers use a
form of measured survey specification on agreed output
scale and related acceptable detail accuracy. A simplified
form of ‘quick specification for measured surveys’ is
available as Appendix B in Measured surveys of land,
buildings and utilities, 3rd edition (November 2014).
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