Housing Market News And Views Home Reports Hit Scotland

Date Published:

24/11/2008

From December 1 2008, house sellers in Scotland won’t just have to think about tidying up before viewers arrive. If you want to put your home on the market you also have to provide a Home Report. We tell you everything you need to know before you put your house up for sale.

By Sarah Jagger

Do I Need A Home Report?

Home Reports became compulsory on 1 December 2008 for all houses put on the market in Scotland. However there are some exclusions, including commercial property, new housing sold ‘off-plan’ to the first purchaser, newly converted premises, seasonal and holiday accommodation, and houses already on the market.

What If My Home Has Been On The Market Since Before 1st December?

In this case, you do not need to buy a report. However, the Scottish Government thinks buyers will choose to get one so that their house sale is not at a disadvantage against new properties on the market which will have reports. And if you take your house off the market anytime before 1 December and re-market it, you will have to make a Home Report available.

At What Point In The Selling Process Do I Need A Home Report?

You need to have one before doing any marketing (even before speaking to private buyers). Documents should be no more than 12 weeks old when the house is put on the market. A house with a Home Report can be taken off the market for 28 days without needing a new report.

How Do I Get A Home Report?

There are two ways, says Jamie McNab at Savills. 'Either instruct a Home Report Provider who will organise it for you or instruct a surveyor direct. If you appoint a selling agent he or she will expect to organise this on your behalf - but you will have to pay for it,' he says.

What Does It Contain?

There are three aspects to the report - an energy report, a survey of condition (with valuation) and a property questionnaire.

The Energy Report provides the energy-efficiency rate of a house together with advice on how to cut bills and increase the home’s energy efficiency.

The Single Survey focuses on the condition and value of the house and is prepared by a survey provider.

The Property Questionnaire is completed by the seller. It contains further information about the house such as alterations, factoring costs and council tax banding.

Optional documents such as specialist reports may be added.

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