If you are selling in Scotland you need a Home Report before the property can go on the market. Most sellers order one, glance at the valuation, and file it. Buyers read it far more closely than that.
The three parts
A Home Report is really three documents. The Single Survey covers condition and the surveyor's valuation. The Energy Report gives the EPC rating. The Property Questionnaire is the part you fill in yourself, covering council tax band, alterations, and any history of flooding or disputes.
What buyers look at first
- The valuation, because their lender will not exceed it
- The repair categories, where a 2 or 3 signals work needed
- The EPC rating, which increasingly affects what a buy-to-let investor will offer
If the valuation comes in low
It happens, and it is not automatically a problem. A low valuation reflects the surveyor's view on the day. You can market above it, but a buyer needing a mortgage will have to find the difference in cash, which narrows your pool. We would rather talk that through with you before listing than have it derail an offer later.
We cover the cost of the Home Report on every property we take to market. Ask us what yours is likely to say before you commit to anything.