A Home Report is compulsory when selling a residential property in Scotland. It is put together by a Chartered Surveyor, who will be a member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. A Home Report can be instructed by the seller directly, or can be organised through Yates Hellier.
What does a Home Report contain?
The Home Report contains four main elements.
A. The Single Survey
The Single Survey reports on the overall condition of the property. It will specifically note the condition of the buildings main components such as roofs, walls, floors, windows, rainwater goods etc. Each element will be given a conditional rating from ‘Satisfactory’ (1), through to ‘Essential work required’ (3). A current valuation will be provided, along with a rebuild sum for Building Insurance purposes.
B. Energy Report
The Energy Performance Certificate rates the energy efficiency of the property. It also estimates the annual energy costs and details specific suggestions for improving the energy efficiency of the property.
C. Mortgage Valuation Certificate
This provides a summary of the information in the Single Survey and is an indication to a Bank or Building Society how the surveyor would report to a lender for mortgage purposes.
D. Property Questionnaire
This is completed by the property owner and provides detailed information about the property. This includes such things as service plans, factors fees, planning permission, council tax bands, parking, buildings insurance and any other issues which they are aware of, which a new owner should be made aware of.