Why does my Estate Agent want to charge me much more?

In many cases your Estate Agent may have a deal with a certain provider, resulting in financial incentives for the agent. In other words, the Estate Agent takes a percentage of the cost. Sometimes this can be hundreds of pounds.

What surveyors do you use?

In all cases we use fully chartered surveyors. This is a requirement by law. They will compile the Energy Report and Single Survey during one visit. All our surveyors are experienced and well established. They are all fully registered with the RICS, and are all used nationally by Estate Agents at present.”

Is my Home Report insured?

Yes. We carry indemnity insurance. Our surveyors are regulated by the RICS and carry full indemnity insurance. Our surveyors also have a qualified complaints procedure, which goes through the RICS

Can my buyer use the Home Report to get a mortgage?

Yes, if their mortgage provider allows them to. However, in many circumstances the lender may request an independent survey to be carried out by one of their panel member surveyors. Scot Home Report surveyors are on several panels, but if we are not on those of the buyers lender, an independent survey may be required at the buyers cost, NOT YOURS. We can advise you at any stage on this matter.

How long does the process take?

The moment you place and pay for your order, you will be contacted by a surveyor to arrange an appointment within 48 hours. When this work is completed by the surveyor, we aim to have it back to you within 5 working days.

How do we receive the completed Home Report?

We provide you with an electronic copy (PDF) which can be viewed, printed, viewed on screen as many times as you wish. We can provide a hard copy for an additional £10

What documents are included in the Home Report?

The Home Report includes a Single Survey, an Energy Report (including an Energy Performance Certificate) and a Property Questionnaire. Everything required to market and sell your property.

Who will compile a Home Report?

The Home Report may be compiled by the seller's agent or the seller. A chartered surveyor must provide the Single Survey and Energy Report. The seller of the house will complete the Property Questionnaire.

I am a private seller, and do not plan on using an agent.

Yes. Under Part 3 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006, a person who is responsible for marketing a house must provide a Home Report to any prospective purchasers. To prepare a Home Report you will need to commission a chartered surveyor (or a Home Report provider who will engage a surveyor) to carry out the Single Survey and produce the Energy Report. You, or someone acting for you, must also complete a Property Questionnaire.

Can a prospective buyer be charged for a Home Report?

There is not a charge for the Home Report as such, but the person selling the house may make a reasonable charge to cover costs of copying and postage of a paper copy.

Can the Home Report be provided electronically to a potential buyer?

Yes, but only if they expressly consent to receive it electronically.

Where I do not need to provide a Home Report?

If you market your house for sale, you must obtain a Home Report. However, the duty to provide a Home Report does not apply if you (or your selling agent) reasonably believe that the person making the request (for a copy Home Report).

 

  • s unlikely to have sufficient means to buy the house in question
  • is not genuinely interested in buying the house
  • is not a person to whom the seller is likely to be prepared to sell the house (this does not allow people to discriminate, say on grounds of race)

This doesn't mean you have to assess every prospective purchaser against these criteria or that you cannot give such a person a Home Report; just that in these cases you don't have to provide a Home Report if you don't want to. You should bear in mind that if a prospective buyer feels they have been unlawfully denied a copy Home Report, they may complain to their local authority Trading Standards department.

Who pays for the Home Report?

The seller is responsible for providing the Home Report. There is nothing in the legislation that requires the buyer to reimburse the seller for the cost of the Home Report. It is, however, perfectly permissible for a buyer and seller to enter into an arrangement over meeting the costs of the Home Report.

How much does a Home Report cost?

The cost of a Single Survey and Energy Report is set by individual surveying firms and will vary according to the size of the house. Sellers are advised to consider a number of quotes from different providers before making a decision. There should be very little, if any, costs associated with the Property Questionnaire as it is completed by the seller of the home.