Home Reports

As from 1st December 2008, with a few exceptions such as new homes, it became illegal to market a property in Scotland without a Home Report consisting of a Single Survey, an Energy Report and a Property Questionnaire.

The Home Report is paid for by the seller who, through their agent, arranges for a Chartered Surveyor to provide the Single Survey and Energy Report and must, themselves, complete the Property Questionnaire.

The cost of a Single Survey and Energy Report will be set by individual surveying firms and vary according to the size of the property. Georgesons have negotiated an exceptional deal and, at the time of writing, have the most inexpensive reports on the market. Please contact Karen in Wick and Lorna in Thurso for details, if you are considering selling.

Most people wonder if the Single Survey is going to achieve anything as there are a number of problems which make this unlikely. Firstly, purchasers may obtain a number of surveys and cherry pick the one that suits them to present to you and me. In those circumstances, will you be willing to rely on the survey? Secondly, even if you are, will you be willing to rely on a survey that is out of date? There are different viewpoints out there as to the "shelf life" but the maximum is reckoned to be 12 weeks. Thirdly, it seems likely that lenders will be obtaining their own survey, anyway. Lastly, just because a survey raises an issue, does not mean that the seller has to do anything about it.

The Energy Reportis supposed to focus the mind on how energy-efficient the house will be. People buy houses for myriad reasons, for instance, the design and the view but energy efficiency is not a reason that I have heard many folk mentioning. The legislators are gambling that it will change our mindset. I doubt it.

The Questionnaireis actually a "good thing". Most Solicitors have had their own version for some time because, since they have to do the legal work as well, they are aware that issues can emerge from the woodwork at the last minute. This is probably the only sensible part of this expensive legislation.

All buyers can ask for a copy of the home report. Copies from a website are likely to be free but hard copies may well be priced at anything up to £15 and have to be provided within nine working days.

If you are considering selling your property, Please contact us.

Georgesons
Estate Agents