Scottish Property News

Hoping for a good report - December brings new home pack

Kingsley Bruce of Speirs Gumley property consultants is familiar with the main components of the new reports.

"The big change for chartered surveyors, " says Bruce, "is that we will be advising the buyer and the seller in home reports, whereas previously our onus was to advise the buyer."

Home reports, Bruce says, will take the form of three documents: the single survey and valuation, prepared by a chartered surveyor, will be a general report with a valuation of the property and an overview of condition and comment on accessibility for disabled people, for example; an energy report, prepared by a surveyor, will rate the property in terms of energy performance and give advice on efficiency, including insulation and low-energy lighting; and a property questionnaire which will be completed by the seller, perhaps with the advice of an estate agent or property manager, will focus on general information, such as alterations to the property, repairs and guarantees, parking, council tax band and factoring fees.

While the cost of this to the seller is projected to average GBP500-GBP700, Bruce suggests the price will start at GBP300. The regulations will be in place by December 1 this year. Any property on the market before then will not need a home report. However, if a property is still on the market by January 4, the seller will be required to make available an energy performance certificate.

Any home report has to be no more than 12 weeks old when a property goes on the market.

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