By law, a Home Report is now required, prior to putting any home on the market.
This procedure is neither complicated nor 'cost-prohibitive' as some would have you believe but, if you have any questions or queries regarding any part of this report then please do not hesitate to call us.
* What documents are included in the Home Report?
A - The Home Report contains a detailed Survey, an Energy Efficiency Report and a Property Questionnaire completed by the vendor. Onesurvey will also provide a Mortgage Report with a valuation certificate included in the basic fee.
* I am thinking of selling my house soon. When do I have to provide a Home Report?
A - Properties marketed for sale from 1st December 2008 in Scotland will need a Home Report.
* Do I have to provide a Home Report if my house is marketed for sale prior to 1st December 2008?
A - If your house has not been taken off the market i.e. continuous marketing has occurred, then no, you will not need to commission a Home Report. If however, there was a break in marketing you will need to provide a Home Report.
* Who will compile a Home Report?
A - The Home Report must be compiled by the seller's agency or the seller. A chartered surveyor or the other provider (approved by Scottish Ministers) will provide the Single Survey, Energy Efficiency Report and Mortgage Certificate. The vendor will complete the Property Questionnaire.
* I am a private seller, and do not plan on using a solicitor or estate agent to market my house. Do I need a Home Report?
A - 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 do this you will need to commission a Chartered Surveyor to carry out a Single Survey, Energy Report and Mortgage Certificate. You must also complete a Property Questionnaire.
* Who pays for the Home Report?
A - The seller is responsible for providing the Home Report. There is nothing in the legislation insisting that the buyer must reimburse the seller for the cost of the Home Report.
* How much will a Home Report cost?
A - The cost of a Single Survey, Mortgage Certificate and Energy Report will be set by individual surveying firms and will vary according to the size and value of the property. There should be no costs associated with the Property Questionnaire as it is completed by the seller of the home.
* How 'old' can the Home Report documents be when the house is put on the market for sale?
A - The legislation says that the documents should be no more than 12 weeks old when the house is put on the market. A house for sale which has a Home Report can be taken off the market for 28 days without needing a new Home Report.
* Will the Home Report have a specified shelf life? (i.e. should sellers have to pay for refreshed surveys if their houses have not sold after a few months?)
A - The legislation does not impose a set shelf life or validity period for any of the Home Report documents. This reflects current practice for survey reports. Decisions as to whether any aspects of the Home Report need to be updated are for sellers, buyers and their professional advisers to take, depending on the circumstances of each case.
* How will I pay for the Home Report?
A -we provide a number of options for the payment of your Home Report with cash, cheque, credit card or deferred payment facilities available.
* What happens if the Single Survey identifies a significant problem regarding the condition of the house such as dry or wet rot? Does the seller have to rectify the problem?
A - That is a decision for the seller. The seller may choose to rectify the problem or market the house immediately. There is nothing in the legislation forcing the seller down one particular route. The Single Survey report is always sent in draft form to the seller who can then confer with the estate agent and surveyor in order to decide on the best course of action to take.
Source: http://www.homereportscotland.co.uk/faq
