A Home Report helps potential buyers understand a Scottish property before deciding whether to pursue it. Most homes marketed for sale in Scotland need one, although exceptions apply. Confirm your property’s position with your solicitor or selling agent before arranging marketing.
What is in the report?
The Scottish Government describes three parts: a single survey, an energy report and a property questionnaire. A chartered surveyor prepares the survey and energy report; the seller completes the questionnaire. The official guidance linked below explains the requirements and exceptions. Use that guidance alongside advice specific to your property.
Prepare accurate information
Set aside time to gather the information you will need rather than completing the questionnaire in a rush. Keep relevant documents in one folder and note anything you need to check. Where you do not know an answer, ask your solicitor how to respond accurately. Guessing can create confusion that is harder to resolve later.
Make the visit practical
Ask the surveyor what access is needed and how to prepare. Think about keys, outbuildings, pets and spaces that are normally locked or difficult to reach. Do not move heavy items or enter unsafe areas simply to make access possible; explain any restriction in advance and follow the surveyor’s instructions.
Read the findings before launch
Give yourself time to read the completed report and raise factual questions. Discuss significant findings with your selling team so they can explain the property consistently. Where work has been done, gather the available evidence rather than relying on a general assurance that an issue has been fixed.
Keep valuation and marketing discussions clear
Ask your agent to explain how the report informs the proposed asking-price strategy. Do not treat any valuation as a guaranteed final sale price. The property, the terms of an offer and the buyers available at the time all matter to your decision.
Your next step
Confirm who is arranging the report, when it will be available and who will answer follow-up questions. If marketing is delayed or the property’s circumstances change, ask whether anything needs to be refreshed. This is a general introduction; your solicitor and surveyor should advise on the requirements for your sale.
Sources & further reading
Official guidance consulted for this article. Check the source for updates.