When you’re looking to sell a property in Scotland, providing potential buyers with a home report is not only a key part of the process but also a legal obligation. Let's take a look at what a home report is, what it includes, and any exceptions where it may not be required.  

What is a home report?  

A home report is a document that provides buyers with important information regarding the state of a property they are looking to purchase. Anyone selling a residential home in Scotland is required by law to submit the report within nine days of the buyer requesting it.  

What is the purpose of a home report?  

Home reports are designed to increase transparency in the property market by providing interested buyers with all the information they need upfront. They help to reduce the risk of buyers encountering issues down the line that they were not made aware of before buying.  

What does a home report include?  

Home reports are made up of three sections: a survey and valuation, a property questionnaire, and an energy report.

The survey is a visual inspection conducted by your Chartered Surveyor and gathers information regarding the condition of the home and any repairs that need to be carried out.

The property questionnaire covers 16 different categories and is designed to provide buyers with additional information. Example of these categories include council tax bands, previous issues, extensions, and details of notices that may affect the property.

The energy report provides the buyer with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), which contains information regarding the home’s energy efficiency. It gives the buyer an idea of how much they can expect to pay in bills for heating, lighting, and water.  

Who is responsible for covering the cost of a home report?  

As a seller, it is your obligation to provide and pay for a home report with the help of a Chartered Surveyor. The cost of the report will vary depending on the size and value of your property. The cost can also vary between different surveyors, so it is important to seek the advice of your trusted estate agent to find the best quote.  

Are there any exceptions?  

Although it is a legal obligation for you to provide a home report when selling your property, there are certain exceptional situations where you can choose not to provide one. Reasons you can refuse include:  

• You don't believe the buyer is serious about purchasing your property
• You have reason to believe they cannot afford to buy your property
• You would prefer not to sell your property to them (be sure not to discriminate against them illegally)  

Additionally, there are certain properties that don’t require a home report, including:  

• Properties that have been on the market since before December 2008
• New-build houses sold to the first occupier
• Newly converted homes that haven’t been occupied in their current state  

It is important to note that you must still provide an EPC report, even if a home report is not required.  

If you’ve reached the homestretch of your sale, exchange and completion will be your final two hurdles. Let’s take a look at the difference between the two, what to expect at each stage, and the key things you’ll need to bear in mind.

What is the difference?

While exchange and completion are essentially the final phases of a property sale, they are separate from one another:

With the spring market seeing an 18%* increase in mortgage approvals, as home buyers got busy moving, you can't be blamed for being tempted to move. Getting ready to move, or ‘move-ready’ to coin a phrase, during the summer months will stand you in good stead for the cooler months on the horizon. This could make your move easier when you decide the time is right. So, with that in mind, here are a few things you can do.

Don’t mistake 'move-in ready’ for ‘move-ready’  

‘Move-in ready’ means a home is ready for immediate occupancy and involves a significant level of legal work, which may help to speed up a sale. Whereas being 'move-ready’, in this context, is simply doing what you can, so that you and your home are more prepared for moving, even if you are not planning on moving right now. 

Sort your home’s outdoor areas out  

There are a lot of advantages to moving in the summer with good weather, longer days, and the possible help of your children while they are off school. But if moving in the summer is not on the cards, taking advantage of the good weather, to make your garden and home’s kerb appeal more beautiful, will make your home more appealing to buyers. Having a sort out of the shed and a trip to the tip will de-clutter it, saving you a job in later months, when it’s time to move. 

Odd jobs inside the house

Summer is a good time to dedicate a few days to addressing any issues around the house that need your attention. From painting and decorating to simple mends. From emptying your attic space, to clearing out your closets. Whether you add a few days to your holidays or have a bank holiday DIY weekend or afternoon, doing it during the summer months will require so much less effort than it would during the colder months. Then, when the season of change sets in, you can change homes with relative ease. 

Check your paperwork 

Whether you are thinking of moving now or in the future, it’s always better to have your paperwork in good order. Perhaps you check your credit rating regularly and have all your important paperwork stored safely. But, if there is something missing, it could delay your sale significantly when it’s time to move. Things such as gas certificates, an updated EPC rating, or certificates for any structural modifications that have been carried out, show that the work is compliant with building regulations. 

Watch the property market closely

Apart from making life easier, you can take advantage of the market more easily if you are ready to move. It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the property market. Perhaps you like exploring homes for sale online and are well-versed in tracking the progress of a home’s sale. Talking to your local agent will also give you extra insights into the markets and areas you are most interested in. The contemporary UK property market is made up of layers of localised markets, from street to street and from region to region, that can differ and are almost as unique as the various homes that reside within them. So, if you are prepared, you may be rewarded by finding your perfect property.  

Zoopla*

Moving into a new property at a new location can bring a whirlwind of emotions, including stress, excitement, and a slight apprehension, but it’s essential to create a positive impression on your new neighbours.  

Your neighbours play a vital part in keeping you and your property safe, so it's crucial to create a good, solid relationship.  

Start with a simple introduction  

When relocating into a new home, you should approach your new neighbours at the first chance and introduce yourself. A great way to confidently do this is by approaching them and beginning your relationship with a kind, simple smile and introduction, creating a solid foundation.  

Having this first interaction creates an important first impression and can help you identify what your new neighbours are like, potentially preventing future disputes.  

Keep your surrounding property tidy  

Whether you live in an apartment, a terraced, semi-detached, or detached property, you may have shared-cared spaces you look after with your neighbours. This could be a shared drive, fence, or pathway, so it’s important that you communicate clearly and create a rotation of care for the shared space to avoid disputes.  

It is vital that you help maintain these spaces and create a clean environment in your community. By having an untidy entrance or drive to your home, it can imprint a negative impression on your neighbours and potentially make their property look untidy. So, by simply sweeping around your property to remove any loose leaves or debris, you can make a positive impression on your neighbours.  

Property garden maintenance  

Maintaining your property's surroundings also includes keeping your garden well-groomed to produce a beautiful appearance. You can simply care for your garden by ensuring your grass doesn't overgrow with a weekly cut and potentially planting some bulbs, which will allow effortless flowers to appear every year. Don't become the property that everyone avoids; instead, impress your neighbours with a well-cared-for garden.  

Neighbouring hedges and fences  

When it comes to first impressions with your neighbour, disputes can easily be encouraged if you are sharing a fence or hedge. This is extremely common, so before making any changes to any hedges or fences, it is key to discuss your options with your neighbour and ensure you receive the green light. Your neighbours will appreciate the discussion, demonstrating clear communication from your end and an excellent first impression.  

Home improvements  

When moving into a new property, sometimes you want to make slight home improvements, which can potentially cause disruption to your new neighbours. Keeping your neighbours informed and providing them with notice of any completed work is crucial.
Being a good neighbour means being considerate of others and being aware of the little things. For example, outdoor flood lighting can shine into your neighbouring homes, disturbing their privacy, or an outdoor shed could disturb their garden's sunlight. Being aware of the little things can create a good first impression on your neighbours.  

Be a considerate neighbour  

When moving to a new home, it’s vital to be a good, kind neighbour and considerate of your surroundings. This can be as simple as not being disruptive with noise pollution, taking your rubbish bins out at the correct times, parking in the correct place; there are so many unwritten rules of being a good neighbour and creating a good first impression.  

Clear communication is a key rule to maintaining a positive relationship with your neighbours and keeping you and your community safe. Exchanging numbers with your neighbour allows you to communicate clearly if you feel something suspicious is occurring. The more people you know in your area, the safer you and your property will be.