Home Report (Single Survey)

From 1st December 2008, the Scottish Government has introduced legislation meaning that anyone marketing their home will need to obtain a Home Report which must be made available to prospective buyers.

The Home Report is made up of three documents as follows:-

The Single Survey - including valuation, must be prepared by a Chartered Surveyor and gives detailed information on the condition of the home and includes a basic audit of accessibility.

The Energy Report - also prepared by a Chartered Surveyor gives details on the energy efficiency rating and environmental impact of the home in terms of carbon emissions.  The report contains recommendations for improvement of energy efficiency and for a reduction of emissions.

A Property Questionnaire - completed by the seller providing additional information for buyers such as Council Tax band, parking facilities, management arrangements and other items.  

This change only affects properties being marketed from 1st December 2008, and does not affect property which is already on the market.  Exceptions including new homes, “right to buy”, and conversions of properties not previously used as a home are examples where a Home Report is  not required.  

Further information is available on the Government’s Website – www.homereportsscotland.gov.uk

The Home Report must be compiled by a Chartered Surveyor and should be obtained no more than twelve weeks before the house goes on the market.  There is no stated “shelf life” it is up to the seller to decide whether they wish to update the report at any point.  The Home Report must be made available when marketing your home, either by the seller or their agent, with few exceptions.

Home Reports can be offered with the option of an additional Mortgage Valuation Report to assist buyers, standard Terms and Conditions apply, which can be viewed on this website.

For further information or help please contact our office by email or telephone.

Mortgage Valuation Report (Scheme I)

This is a valuation report for mortgage purposes, intended for use by building societies, banks and other lenders before a loan is made on a property. It is NOT a survey and should not be confused with one, as it is based on a restricted inspection of a property and should only be used as a guide to the value of the property for lenders.

Although the property is inspected by one of our qualified Surveyors, it is not a detailed property review and only major, visible defects will be noted.

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Homebuyers Survey and Valuation Report (Scheme II)

This is a more detailed report based on a more comprehensive property inspection. It is produced in a standard RICS format and is designed to be an economical survey which focuses on any problems that could ultimately have a bearing on the value of the property.  The purpose of the Homebuyers Survey is to advise the prospective homebuyer in three ways:

• Make a reasoned and informed judgement on whether to proceed with the purchase
• Assess what would be a reasonable purchase price
• Be clear what decisions and actions should be taken before making an offer

The report covers the interior and exterior of the property, including the site and services, concentrating on any defects and problems which the surveyor judges to be urgent or significant, especially if the