Even in the property industry, AI is starting to change how surveyors work. To better understand this, we spoke to professional surveyor Ryan McNally of Lloyd Dixon Group. He explained how AI is being used not to replace surveyors but to make their work faster, more accurate, and often more cost-effective.
Widespread AI Use by Surveying Professionals
AI adoption in property is growing rapidly. A recent survey found that 73 percent of technology providers working with surveyors now include some form of AI in their tools. These range from systems that can read and summarise lease documents to platforms that help with valuations or produce detailed reports automatically.
Ryan told us that much of the day-to-day work in surveying involves dealing with complex paperwork and large amounts of data. AI can handle these repetitive tasks quickly, freeing up surveyors to focus on the expert analysis clients rely on.
Automating Lease Management and Reporting
One of the biggest changes AI brings is in lease management and report writing. Previously, surveyors might have spent hours reviewing clauses or drafting standard documents. Now AI can scan leases, highlight key terms, and even create first drafts of reports in seconds.
Ryan says this means clients get answers faster and surveyors can handle more work without lowering standards. “It speeds up everything,” he explains, “but you still need a surveyor to check the final output and make professional judgements.”
Enhancing Inspections with Remote Technologies
AI is also being used for inspections. In some cases, surveyors take photographs or drone images of a property, and AI software then examines these pictures for problems like cracks, damp, or missing tiles.
Ryan has seen housing associations cut inspection times by up to 70 percent using photo-based AI inspections. Instead of travelling to every site in person, surveyors can now review detailed AI reports first, then focus on locations that clearly need expert attention.
Asset Data and Predictive Insights
Another growing use of AI is asset tracking and forecasting. AI systems can store detailed information about thousands of building components, from roofing materials to heating systems.
With this data, AI can predict when repairs might be needed or when parts are approaching the end of their life. This helps property managers plan budgets and avoid costly surprises.
Visual Tools and Digital Modelling
Some surveyors are now experimenting with digital twins—3D virtual models of real buildings. These models allow teams to see the impact of changes before work begins and to monitor a property’s condition over time.
Ryan believes this technology will become common in the next few years, especially for larger commercial properties.
Conclusion: AI as a Surveyor’s Ally
AI is already making a difference in surveying, from lease analysis to inspections and predictive maintenance. As Ryan McNally points out, it is a tool to support surveyors, not replace them—helping them deliver faster, more accurate, and better-informed advice for clients.
