How Much Does a Home Report Cost in 2021?
21st Oct 2021 (Last updated on 28th Oct 2021) 3 minute read
When selling a house in Scotland, you will need to provide prospective buyers with a Home Report. On average, this costs between £585 and £820 according to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
The price of a Home Report can vary significantly depending on the size of the property, its value, age and the condition it is in. The price will also be influenced by the surveyor you opt for and the travelling costs for the surveyor.
Compare My Move has created this guide breaking down the cost and details of the Home Report in Scotland, ensuring you are prepared for this part of your house sale.
Arranging a Home Report
A Home Report is a document the seller of a property is legally required to produce in Scotland when putting it on the market and must be available to all prospective buyers. This has been a legal requirement since December 1st 2008.
The Home Report is designed to give potential buyers an idea of the condition of the home, allowing them to make an informed decision on whether or not to purchase and when they submit their offer. The report is made up of three parts which include
The document will provide details of any work which may be required, the energy efficiency of the home, the materials used to build the home and the age of the property. It will also include details of the gutters, plumbing and kitchen and bathroom fittings.
You can read more about what is included in a Home Report in our article: The Home Report: Sellers Survey.
Unlike in the rest of the UK, it is the seller of the property who pays for the Home Report to be conducted. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, property surveys are organised by the buyer. When selling a property in Scotland, you will need to factor in the cost of a Home Report.
For more details on the cost of selling a property read: What is the Cost of Selling a House in Scotland?
According to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), you can expect to pay between £585 and £820. However, these costs will often vary based on the type of property and the surveyor completing the survey.
Home Report costs can vary based on location, with many surveyors taking into account the time to travel to the property in addition to the time to inspect, value and report on the home.
Costs can also vary based on the home’s age, size and value. Large homes, older homes, homes of high value and those in remote locations will often have slightly higher Home Report costs. Properties that are conveniently located, small and low value will likely have less expensive reports.
The Home Report is split into three parts; the Single Survey, an Energy Report (which includes an EPC certificate) and the Property Questionaire. Both the Single Survey and Energy Report must be completed by a RICS registered chartered surveyor.
The property questionnaire is to be filled out by the seller, however, if you are unsure of any part of it you can consult either your surveyor or speak with your conveyancer.
If you’re looking to arrange a Home Report for your property sale, make sure the surveyor you use is RICS registered. Knowledge of the local area is also an advantage, as they will be able to provide a more accurate report based on similar properties and the surrounding area.
At Compare My Move, we can connect you with RICS registered surveyors in your local area, potentially saving you up to 70% on the cost of your Home Report. By filling in our form, you can start comparing surveyors to find the perfect fit for your property.
This is part of our guide to surveying. Next we look in more detail at the Single Survey element of the Home Report in Scotland. To learn more read: What is a Single Survey?