Home Reports
What is a Home Report?
A Home Report is a crucial document for anyone looking to buy or sell a property in Scotland. It’s a comprehensive document that provides potential buyers with essential information about the property they’re interested in, helping them make informed decisions.
A Home Report is made up of the following documents
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Single Survey: This is a detailed inspection of the property conducted by a qualified surveyor. The survey assesses the condition of the property and highlights any issues or defects that may affect its value or future maintenance costs. The survey typically includes an overall condition rating, as well as specific details about the property’s structure, utilities, and any potential risks.
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Energy Report: The Energy Report provides information on the energy efficiency of the property. It includes an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) which rates the property’s energy efficiency on a scale from A to G, with A being the most efficient.
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Property Questionnaire: This section is filled out by the seller or their agent and includes details about the property, such as its council tax band, any alterations or improvements made to the property, and other relevant information.
- Mortgage Valuation: While not included in the Home Report itself, the surveyor may also provide a valuation of the property based on their assessment of its condition, location, and market trends. This valuation can help buyers and sellers understand the property’s market value and negotiate a fair price.
Do I need a Home Report?
In Scotland, it is a legal requirement for any residential property that is going to be publicly advertised to have a Home Report.
The Home Report must be made available to prospective buyers for them to gain a good understanding of the details of the property, usually before they even view it.
If you advertise a property publicly without a Home Report, you could be fined.
However, there are a few property types that don’t require a Home Report.
Check the list below to make sure you’re only paying for what you need!
Home Report Exemptions
The following properties are exempt from needing a Home Report:
If you’re not advertising a property for sale and are selling privately, often to a family member or acquaintance
Right to Buy homes – these aren’t advertised for sale either
Portfolio properties – if you were selling a property that also had a gatehouse, for example, and you wouldn’t accept a separate offer for the gatehouse from the main property, this is known as a ‘portfolio property’
Dual use of a dwelling sale when a property is used as a residence and also for other things, e.g. a workshop or studio and house
Mixed sales – similar to dual use, this is when a property has another use too, like when there’s a flat above a shop
Unsafe properties – those that have been assessed as a health and safety risk
Properties that are due to be demolished
Holiday or seasonal accommodation that are only permitted to be used 11 months of the year
Newly converted homes – if a property hadn’t been used as a residential dwelling before the conversion
New build homes
If you’re not sure if your property falls under one of these descriptions, just get in touch, We’ll be glad to help.
