A Scottish Home Report is a pack which provides information about the condition and value of a property.
Who is responsible for organising a Home Report?
The seller of a property is responsible for organising a Home Report before the property is put on the market, and ensuring it is available to prospective buyers when requested.
The Scottish Home Report will allow potential buyers to make an informed decision on whether to purchase a property.
How much does a Home Report cost?
The cost of a Scottish Home Report will depend on the price of your property. Usually this will be in the range of £285-£450 but can cost more depending on the value and location of your property and which solicitor you choose to use.
Do I need a Home Report?
If you are moving home in Scotland, you probably won't be able to sell your property without a Home Report as it is against the law, and you could receive a fine.
What properties are exempt?
There are, however, types of properties that are exempt from requiring a Home Report, including:
- Newly converted homes - a building which has or is being converted into a home does not require a Home Report if it has not previously been used in its converted state
- New build homes
- Right to buy homes - as this form of purchasing a property does not involve marketing it does not require a Home Report
- Seasonal and holiday accommodation - refers to accommodation which only has permission to be used 11 months in any year
- A portfolio of property - where the seller of the properties does not accept a separate offer on one of the properties. An example of this may be where a property has out buildings such as ‘gate house’ or ‘staff cottage’
- Properties sold privately - e.g. between friends/family - that have not been advertised
- Mixed sales - this may occur on properties which also have non-residential use, such a flat above a shop or pub
- Dual use of a dwelling sale - where the property is used for both residential and non-residential purposes, such as a house which is also used as a workshop or studio
- Unsafe properties- properties which are considered a health or safety risk to occupants or visitors
- Properties to be demolished
What is included in a Home Report?
There are three different aspects to a Scottish Home Report: a Single Survey, an Energy Report and a Property Questionnaire.
The Single Survey
A
Single Survey is undertaken by a RICS surveyor and will assess and summarise the condition of all the main aspects of a property to allow potential buyers to make an informed decision on whether to proceed with a house purchase.
It will notify buyers of areas of the property that are in good condition as well as those that require urgent repairs, or that may require work in the future.
The Single Survey also includes an accessibility audit for people with additional needs and can also include a Mortgage Valuation of the property. If this is required, it should be discussed with your
surveyor.
The Energy Report
The second aspect of the Scottish Home Report, the
Energy Report, was devised to establish the energy efficiency of a house and inform buyers of cost-effective ways to improve a property’s environmental impact, similar to the
Energy Performance Certificate used in England and Wales.
The report will indicate a property’s energy efficiency through a rating system and will provide recommendations for reducing carbon emissions.
The Energy Report is valid for the ten years following the date of issue.
The Property Questionnaire
The
Property Questionnaire provides a useful summary of the property for the potential buyer. Information the Property Questionnaire will make available includes:
- Council tax banding
- Parking arrangements
- Factoring arrangements
- Local authority notices
- History of flooding
- Alterations to the property
The property questionnaire is completed by the seller. Sellers have an obligation to provide an accurate and truthful account of the property but, if needed, are able to receive assistance from their
conveyancing solicitor or surveyor to answer the more difficult questions.
How long does a Home Report last?
If a house has been removed from the market for over four weeks before it is put up for sale again, or the report was conducted over 12 weeks before the house is put on the market, a new Scottish Home Report will need to be completed.
If the house has remained on the market for a long period of time following the completion of a Home Report, it might be worth getting an up-to-date one (although there is no official guidance for when this should be done).
If a new report is requested by a buyer, it is the combined responsibility of the seller and the buyer to agree who will pay for it.
What should I be looking for in a Home Report?
If you are looking to buy a property it is important to know
what to look out for in the results of the Home Report.
Some things to look for in a Home Report include:
- The condition of the property
- The accessibility of the property
- Any flooding risks
- Damp or dry rot
- Asbestos
How do I get a Home Report?
For the first two parts of the Home Report, the Single Survey and the Energy Report, you will need to employ the expert service of a RICS Chartered Surveyor.
To find the best price for quality surveyors, you can
compare quotes for Scottish Home Reports.
When you are sent your quotes for surveyors in your area you will also receive a link to the Property Questionnaire.
What is a Home Report FAQs
How much over a Home Report valuation should I offer?
It will depend on the state of the property market if you should offer over the price found in the Home Report valuation. If it is a competitive market, offering 5%-10% over the Home Report value can give you a higher chance of your offer being accepted.
Is a Home Report the same as a survey?
A Home Report and a survey are not always the same thing. A Home Report is a legal requirement when selling a house in Scotland. The Home Report includes a single survey which assesses the condition and value of a property.
A
building survey or a full structural survey are not compulsory but can be used for older buildings to offer a more detailed evaluation.
How long does a Home Report survey take?
Typically, a Home Report process will take a few days. The amount of time it takes can be affected by factors such as the size, age, and location of the property