Countrywide Surveying Services (CSS) has introduced a new virtual inspection system designed to speed up and standardise non-physical property valuations.

The platform, called SurveySphere, allows surveyors to conduct guided video inspections in real time using a homeowner’s mobile device.

Surveyors control the appointment remotely, verify property details, capture images and identify potential risks without the need for a site visit.

The business says the approach delivers more visual evidence than a traditional desktop valuation, giving surveyors greater confidence when providing assessments to lenders and borrowers.

Each case is pre-screened using automated risk scoring and property data analysis to establish whether a virtual inspection is suitable. Where it is not, instructions are escalated for further review.

“MARKET LEADING SOLUTIONS”

Matthew Cumber, managing director at Countrywide Surveying Services, said: “We are investing significantly in the latest technology to ensure we are providing market leading solutions to help lenders’ manage property risk.

“SurveySphere follows on from last year’s launches of QualityShield and Geoconnect and more developments are planned in 2026 to help us deliver a quicker, better and more cost-effective valuation and survey proposition for lenders and their borrowers.

“Working with several lenders on SurveySphere has given us the opportunity to refine the proposition which combines smart technology with our surveying expertise, robust data models, and intelligent triage.

“Every case is pre-assessed using risk scoring and property data analysis to confirm whether a desktop approach is appropriate. This technology has been designed to enhance professional judgement, not replace it.”