Edinburgh Solicitors Property Centre

Home Reports explained

A Home Report is required for any home marketed in Scotland from 1 December 2008. Whether you’re a buyer or a seller you need to know what to look out for and ESPC can help you every step of the way. Home Reports are being introduced by the Scottish Government in an effort to encourage a fairer and greener housing market.

The Home Report will comprise three documents:
The Property Questionnaire: completed by the seller of the property, probably with the assistance of their solicitor. It contains information about the home that will be useful for buyers and surveyors.

The Single Survey: Contains an assessment by a surveyor of the condition of the home, a valuation and an accessibility audit for people with particular needs.

The Energy Report: Contains an assessment by a surveyor of the energy efficiency of the home and its environmental impact. It also recommends ways to improve its energy efficiency.

10 Things you need to know about Home Reports

  1. Home Reports are introduced on 1 December 2008.
  2. A Home Report will be commissioned by the seller and will be completed by the seller, solicitor estate agent and surveyor.
  3. They will contain three documents: A Property Questionnaire, a Single Survey and an Energy Report.
  4. A surveyor will complete the Single Survey and the Energy Report.
  5. A Home Report must be prepared before a property can be marketed for sale.
  6. If requested, a copy of the Home Report must be provided to a prospective buyer within nine calendar days.
  7. The Home Report should be provided in written format, unless the prospective buyer agrees to receive an electronic version.
  8. If a home is advertised for sale before 1 December a Home Report will not be required.
  9. The cost of a Home Report will vary depending on the type of property.
  10. The seller is responsible for the cost of the Home Report.

How can ESPC help with Home Reports?


As property experts, we know exactly what we are doing when it comes to Home Reports. When you instruct an ESPC solicitor estate agent to market your property for sale, they will also arrange your Home Report and ensure that you are fully compliant with the new legislation. ESPC, together with ESPC solicitor estate agents, we will make Home Reports simple.