English Housing Survey commissioned by MHCLG
The English Housing Survey (EHS) survey records information about the population’s housing circumstances for The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).
Beginning in 1967, it also records the condition of the housing stock in England. The government collects information from the survey to monitor and develop housing and energy-related policies and initiatives.
Scottish Household Survey commissioned by the Scottish Government
The Scottish Government launched the Scottish Household Survey in 1999 and collected data over two years. Until 2011, it maintained a similar design and local authorities released data only after completing the two-year cycle.
The Scottish Government substantially redesigned the survey to include elements of the Scottish House Condition Survey (SHCS). This included the physical survey component as a follow up.
This element is the only national assessment of the condition of Scotland’s homes, providing a benchmark that informs policy on fuel poverty, energy efficiency, and housing standards.
Delivering the English Housing Survey & Scottish Household Survey
CADS Housing survey team
Since 2002, the CADS Housing Surveys team has played a key role in delivering the English Housing Survey (EHS) and the Scottish Household Survey (SHS).
As part of long-standing consortia, CADS works alongside the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) and the Building Research Establishment (BRE) on the EHS, and Ipsos and BRE on the SHS.
The government classifies the EHS and SHS as accredited official statistics, reflecting their high quality, trustworthiness, and public value (previously known as National Statistics).
If you are invited to take part in the English Housing Survey, read our comprehensive information sheet for answers to any questions you may have.
250 surveyors physically inspect over 11,000 homes every year
Each year, 170 EHS and 80 SHS contracted specialist housing surveyors physically inspect around 8,000 homes in England and 3,000 in Scotland. For the SHS in 2024 alone, this meant over 3,000 full appointments and more than 4,000 summary inspections.
Around 85% of households grant surveyors access, enabling detailed internal and external assessments of housing condition, energy efficiency and environmental performance.
The map shows the many towns and cities across England our English Housing Surveyors are located, to gain a reprentative cross-section of responses from around the country.
Housing data capture transition
Historically, researchers used a well-established and developed survey form to collect large quantities of data. The surveys are conducted in a non-intrusive efficient and effective way.
In 2007, the BRE developed a bespoke automated electronic data processing system using Anoto digital pen and paper technology.
Following extensive piloting and testing, the system was introduced as a trial on the English Housing Survey in 2008.
It significantly reduced manual data entry while allowing surveyors to continue recording information using paper-based forms.
Technology in data collection for improved efficiency
After several years using Anoto digital pen and paper technology for data capture, the EHS and SHS began transitioning to the use of tablets for survey data collection.
Today, the EHS, followed by the SHS, have completed the transition to tablet-based data collection. Surveyors now record data directly into bespoke digital survey software on a hand-held tablet in the field.
They capture information electronically at source to improve data quality, reduce manual processing and increase efficiency.
Building a picture of English and Scottish housing stock
The data recorded helps build a picture of the age and type of dwelling including:
- the age and condition of interior amenities,
- the energy efficiency of heating and hot water systems,
- external features and disrepair,
- health and safety hazards in and around the home
- as well as an area survey looking to identify problems in the local area.
Along with numerous other data categories to provide as complete a picture of each dwelling as possible for analysis and reporting.
Housing surveys helpline
All enquiries regarding housing survey appointments including out of hours service.
Get in touch
The Building Research Establishment (BRE) has worked with the CADS housing survey team since 2002. As a consortium we deliver the English Housing Survey and Scottish Household Survey. Our two organisations have a very close working relationship. Between us we are proud to offer the most comprehensive surveyor training, supervision and management in national housing surveys that is available anywhere.
Celebrating 20 years of the continuous EHS
CADS Housing Surveyors have now been continually delivering key statistical surveying data for over 20 years.
20 year celebrations
Experienced surveyors attend a rigorous training programme
To ensure that a consistently high standard of survey data is recorded, we recruit experienced housing surveyors from a mix of backgrounds including Building Surveyors, Architects and Environmental Health Officers.
All surveyors new to the EHS attend a rigorous and well-developed residential programme at Warwick University, delivered by BRE. New SHS surveyors attend a 5-day residential briefing delivered by Ipsos.
Continual surveyor assesment
Regional Managers continually assess surveyors and review every survey form before passing it to BRE. The team regularly reviews surveyor variability.
This ensures, as far as practicable, that we achieve a high measure of consistency in the way data is interpreted and reported from each survey. Additionally, all existing surveyors attend a refresher training session at Warwick University every year or two.
NatCen conduct 13,000 household interviews
Before the physical surveys take place, approximately 13,000 household interviews are conducted by our consortium partner NatCen, details including household composition, tenure, amenities, housing costs, income and neighbourhood.
Survey report creation
The team uploads all data for extensive quality checks before BRE, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) process and analyse it further. This leads to the production of a comprehensive report each year of the survey which adds to the already extensive database of information accumulated by the government over many years.
Alun Humphries, Research Director, NatCen (Our Consortium Partner)
It is a pleasure working closely with the team at CADS. Together we design and improve procedures that ensure the best possible fieldwork outcome for the English Housing Survey.
Together we have rigorously developed the research process to ensure the quality and validity of the data our surveyors collect. It is this attention to detail that means we are able to consistently meet the MHCLG’s targets and requirements. This means the MHCLG can have total confidence that they are making informed decisions on the basis of the accurate information collected.
CADS’ Housing surveys helpline
Our Helpline Team has long been established and brings extensive experience. They play an essential role in managing and controlling the major English and Scottish Housing survey programmes.
Based in Edinburgh, the team operates a central web-based appointment system. This helps connect various stakeholders and systems. It ensures that the large number of appointments are optimised for time and cost for both surveyors and property owners and occupiers. The team is integral to the success of all field operations and logistics associated with the physical survey.
Providing essential support
The CADS Housing Survey Helpline is staffed between 9am and 9pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 4pm at Weekends.
This excludes public holidays, which effectively provides coverage and necessary support for all operational periods for the surveyors.
Experienced housing helpline
Headed by Steve Tidy, the Helpline Team members are extremely experienced and knowledgeable about all aspects of the fieldwork.
They provide essential support for surveyors, members of the public and consortia who are involved in the project day to day.
Scottish House Condition Survey
Alongside its role in the EHS and SHS, the Helpline Team also supports Ipsos in delivering the Scottish House Condition Survey (SHCS), the property condition element of the SHS.
Their expertise has become integral to the programme’s ongoing success.
CADS Housing surveys helpline
For questions about your survey, contact us by phone, form, or email. To reschedule, please call the number below.
English Housing Survey
Scottish Household Survey
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