A Scottish Home Report is a pack which provides information about the condition and value of a property. 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.
The cost of a Scottish Home Report will depend on the price of your property.
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.
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 - ss 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’
- Porpertis sold privately - eg 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:
Sellers have an obligation to provide an accurate and truthful account of the property but, if needed, sellers 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.
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.
Updated June 2022