What is a Home Report?
A Home Report is a pack of three documents provided by the seller of a residential property. It aims to give better information to prospective buyers. Home Reports have been a legal requirement in Scotland since 1 December 2008. All residential properties (other than new properties) require a Home Report to be completed. It should be available for inspection by potential buyers when a property is marketed.
What does a Home Report contain?
A Home Report contains three documents:
A Single Survey which is compiled by a chartered surveyor and gives detailed information regarding the condition of the property. It also contains a valuation and looks at accessibility features which are important for the elderly and the disabled.
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), also compiled by a surveyor, is generally carried out at the same time as the Single Survey. It assesses the energy efficiency and environmental impact of the property and suggests ways in which its performance could be improved.
A Property Questionnaire which is completed by the seller. It includes useful information for prospective purchasers, for example: the council tax band of the property, parking facilities, utility providers, responsibility for common areas and the history of alterations.
How much does a Home Report cost?
The cost of a Home Report is dependent on the value of your property, with prices ranging from approximately £320 for a property worth £100,000, £700 for a property worth £500,000, to around £1,000 for a property worth £1.5m. To find out how much your property is worth, please contact one of our property consultants. They will be happy to provide you with a free market appraisal of your property. Call 0131 581 5700 or complete our free valuation form.
Ordering a Home Report
Once you have chosen a surveyor to complete the Single Survey and EPC for you, we will order your full Home Report through the ESPC platform on your behalf. You are, of course, able to arrange your own Home Report if you would prefer.
Marketing your property with a Home Report
Once all documents have been completed, they are combined into a Home Report and made available with your property listing on the ESPC website and through our website. Potential buyers are then able to request a copy of the Home Report either online or directly from our office.
Further information
RICS have produced a guide for buyers and sellers in Scotland which contains detailed information on the Home Reports process.
Additionally, please visit the Scottish Government Home Report website or view the following video issued by the Scottish Government.
