Transitioning into property surveying: Daniel Hopla’s story
Daniel’s military journey was anything but ordinary. For a decade, he specialised as a Combat Tracker, teaching British and international armed forces as well as UK police units. He later qualified as a Close Quarter Battle instructor, sharing his operational knowledge with multinational personnel. But despite the specialist nature of his role, Daniel always kept one eye on the future. While still serving, he studied business management through Buckinghamshire New University and began laying the foundations for life after uniform.
“I had a successful military career specialising as a combat tracker, later becoming an instructor,” Daniel explains. “That’s where I developed and honed the skillset of acute observation and interpretation of evidence – which turned out to be exactly what I’d need as a property surveyor.”
Two years before his final day in uniform, Daniel attended a Career Transition Workshop. It was here that the idea of surveying began to take shape. Using Enhanced Learning Credits (ELCs), he enrolled on the Sava Level 6 Diploma in Residential Surveying and Valuation – a part-time training course specifically designed for career changers looking to enter the property profession without going down the traditional university route.
“I began studying while still serving, with support from GRT and ELCAS funding,” he says. “Without the Sava diploma, there’s no way I could have entered the profession. I had too many other commitments to consider going to university.”
What Does a Residential Surveyor Do?
Residential surveyors play a crucial role in the UK property market. They inspect people’s homes to identify risks, defects and structural issues, helping buyers, sellers and homeowners make informed decisions about one of the biggest financial commitments they’ll ever make. From Victorian terraces to modern new-build flats, surveyors ensure their clients understand the true condition and value of a property before they commit to purchase or renovation.
In short, for many, a surveyor’s expertise is the difference between investing in a dream home or stepping into a financial nightmare.
Why Surveying Was the Right Fit
For Daniel, surveying turned out to be a natural progression from his military training. “You need analytical skills, attention to detail, composure under pressure – all things you develop in the Forces,” he says. “What I do now helps people make smart, informed decisions about their homes. That sense of purpose hasn’t gone away.”
As he neared the end of the Sava diploma’s assessment phase, Daniel was offered a full-time position with Peer | King Surveyors in Norwich – and he’s been working there ever since. “My boss was impressed with the level of training I had received,” he says, crediting the programme’s practical, hands-on nature for his seamless transition.
Surveyor Training with Sava
For those looking to retrain and embark on an exciting post-service career, Sava offers the UK’s leading professional route into residential surveying through its ABBE-accredited Diploma in Residential Surveying and Valuation.
Designed for career changers, this part-time course allows you to train alongside your current role and complete your qualification in as little as 24 months. The diploma equips you with both technical knowledge and practical skills and is approved for direct entry into the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) at Associate level.
Why choose Sava?
- 98% of graduates recommend the course
- 95% graduate employment rate
- Sava surveyors earn an average of £60,000 within two years of qualifying
- Eligible for £2,000 ELCAS funding
- Delivered by expert tutors who are active in the profession
Graduates go on to work for large surveying firms, small local businesses or even independently. And with ongoing demand across the UK, the profession offers flexibility, financial stability and room for career growth.
Daniel’s Advice to Fellow Leavers
Daniel encourages fellow service personnel to think ahead and not underestimate how transferable their skills are. “Surveying allows me to work in a respected profession, have time with my family, and feel like I’m still making a difference.”
His advice? “Plan early, explore your options, and use every bit of funding and support you’re entitled to. The military gives you the mindset to thrive in roles like this – you just need the right training to open the door.”
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