The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) commissions the English Housing Survey
The English Housing Survey (EHS) survey records information about the population’s housing circumstances. 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.
Delivering the English Housing Survey & Scottish Household Survey
CADS Housing Survey Team
Since 2002 the CADS Housing Survey team has played a key role in fulfilling the English Housing Survey (EHS) and Scottish Household Survey (SHS). This is part of a consortium led by the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) and the Building Research Establishment (BRE).
The government classifies the EHS and SHS as gold category surveys due to their high value, granting them National Statistic status.
245 surveyors physically inspect over 11,000 homes every year
Each year, 160 EHS and 85 SHS contracted specialist housing surveyors physically inspect around 8,000 homes in England and 3,000 in Scotland.
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.
Data capture transition
BRE developed a bespoke system of automated electronic data processing using Anoto digital pen and paper technology, which surveyors trialed. After several years using digital pens for data capture, the SHS and EHS are transitioning to the use of tablets for data collection during surveys.
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 and SHS, attend a rigorous and well-developed residential programme at Warwick University, delivered by BRE.
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
https://www.ipsos.com/enThe 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.
In addition to being part of the English Housing Survey and Scottish Household Survey, the Helpline Team also assists Ipsos MORI in delivery of the Scottish House Condition Survey (SHCS) and has similarly become integral to the ongoing success of that programme.
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
Related services
Discover our comprehensive range of solutions-focused services
Receive accurate and reliable measured survey services for your building project
Working on complex projects or multiple locations, our measured surveyors work across the UK and internationally.
Measured surveys
Complete 2D & 3D CAD drawing services
Our UK-based technicians have extensive experience in delivering a comprehensive range of quality drawing services in 2D and 3D CAD, using AutoCAD, Revit and Matterport.
CAD drawing services
