Home Reports were introduced to abolish the costs and inconveniences of multiple surveys, to improve transparency within the system and to aid, over time, moves to improve the quality of the housing stock in Scotland.

The Home Report has now operated successfully since 2009 within the Scottish residential property market and although, like everything else, it has some imperfections, it is now thoroughly embedded within the Scottish house purchasing system.

To summarise: houses for sale in Scotland must have a Home Report before they can be placed on the market for sale.

A Home Report is an assembled document that provides detailed information about a property for potential buyers. It consists of three component parts: a survey of the property  (Single Survey), an Energy Report (Energy Performance Certificate) and a  Property Questionnaire, providing useful information about the property and completed by the property owner.

The Home Report must be available to prospective buyers. The Survey document contains an assessment by a surveyor of the condition of the property, an accessibility audit report and a valuation.

The Energy Report (EPC) is an assessment by a surveyor of the energy efficiency of the property and its impact on the environment. It also lists possible ways to improve the energy efficiency of the building.

The Property Questionnaire is a record provided by the seller of the home. It also contains additional information about the property, such as Council Tax charges and other costs that will be useful to the new home owner.

Since its introduction it has been widely supported and welcomed by all parties to a residential property transactions for its clarity and objectivity, not to mention the cost savings to potential purchasers.

Just what is involved in a a Home Report? Our video will explain the process from start to finish.

For further information, do not hesitate to contact us. DM Hall is one of on Scotland’s leading independent firms of chartered surveyors.