In December 2009, The Scottish Government introduced Home Reports. Properties for sale in Scotland now have to be marketed with the information contained in the ‘Home Report’.
The Home Report is a similar concept to the Home Information Pack which was introduced to England and Wales in 2007. The Scottish pack will contain three individual documents:
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A Single Survey - Prepared by a chartered surveyor, the single survey will give potential buyers detailed information about the condition and value of the property. The survey will also contain an accessibility audit which will highlight accessible features of the house to the buyers; extremely beneficial for disabled people alongside older buyers and parents with young children.
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An Energy Report - has the same concept as the EPC which is require in England and Wales. The scheme was set up by the government to improve the awareness of each property's energy efficiency. The report will give the home a rating which indicates its environmental impact in terms of carbon dioxide emissions. The report will also contain recommendations on how to reduce carbon emissions and overall advice on how to make the home more energy efficient.
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A Property Questionnaire - this will give prospective buyers useful information about the property. It will include information such as parking arrangements, council tax bands, and any local authority notices or notes of alterations that have been made to the home.
The seller is responsible for providing the Home Report. The Single Survey and Energy Report can be provided by a chartered surveyor and the property questionnaire is completed by the home owner.
Everyone marketing a home for sale in Scotland must be able to provide the Home report upon request, with a few exceptions:
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Newly converted homes - a building which has or is being converted into a home does not require a Home Report if it has not previously been used in its converted state.
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New build homes
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Right to buy homes - As this form of purchasing a property does not involve marketing it will not require a Home Report.
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Seasonal and holiday accommodation - refers to accommodation which only has permission to be used 11 months in any year
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A portfolio of property - where the seller of the properties will not accept a separate offer on one of the properties. An example of this may be where a property has out buildings such as ‘gate house’ or ‘staff cottage’
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Mixed sales - this may occur on properties which also have non residential use, such a flat above a shop or pub, or a farm house which is part of a working farm.
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Dual use of a dwelling sale - where the properties is used for both residential and non residential purposes; such as a house which is also used as a workshop or studio.
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Unsafe properties - properties which could be considered a health or safety risk to occupants or visitors.
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Properties to be demolished - there is no point in producing a condition survey in a property which is to be demolished, as it is being advertised as a development site.
Instant quotes for your Home Report can be obtained here.