© Evening Times
Originally published: 30.01.2008

The introduction of a controversial new system of single seller surveys for property sales was agreed by MSPs today.

Communities minister Stewart Maxwell said the move will create a "fairer" housing market and help first-time-buyers.

The Scottish Government hopes to introduce the system, which will see those selling their homes providing a detailed survey for would-be buyers, on December 1.

The change will mean people having to spend between £350 and £600 for a Home Report before they even put their home on the market.

The new report will see sellers have to offer a single survey, an energy report on the building's impact on the environment, and complete a property questionnaire containing useful information to buyers.

Speaking after the move was approved by Holyrood's Local Government and Communities Committee, Mr Maxwell claimed it would make the housing market "fairer, greener and much more informed".

"Buying a house is for most people the largest investment they make in their lives and we believe the buyer should have good, professional information about its condition and value before making an offer, " he added.

"The Home Report will offer prospective buyers more confidence in the property's condition.

"The energy report should result in greater demand for energy efficient homes and is supported by environmental groups."

The scheme had originally been proposed by the previous Scottish Executive, with Labour putting forward the proposal as far back as 1999.

And it has provoked criticism from some politicians and estate agents, with opponents arguing buyers would not be able to rely on a survey they hadn't commissioned themselves.

But Mr Maxwell said he saw no reason why people would not trust a survey from the seller.

He argued: "It will benefit all buyers and sellers, because any buyer will be provided with detailed information."