Since December 2008, every property for sale in Scotland must have a Home Report. It protects buyers, builds confidence in your sale, and is a legal requirement. Castlebrae arranges the full report on your behalf — one less thing to worry about.
A Home Report is a comprehensive document that gives potential buyers confidence in your property. It includes an independent valuation, a detailed survey, and a property questionnaire — all the information a buyer needs to make an informed decision.
In Scotland, it's not optional. Every property for sale must have one. But more importantly, it works in your favour. Buyers see a Home Report as a sign of transparency and professionalism. It removes doubt, speeds up negotiations, and can help you achieve a better sale price.
Castlebrae arranges the entire Home Report process for you. We coordinate with the surveyor, manage the paperwork, and ensure everything is ready before your property goes on the market.
Every Home Report in Scotland contains three essential components. Here's what each one covers and why it matters to your sale.
The Single Survey is the most important part of the Home Report. It's carried out by a qualified, independent surveyor and contains two key pieces of information — an assessment of the property's condition and an independent valuation of what the property is worth. Every element of the property is assessed and given a condition rating from 1 to 3.
The EPC rates the energy efficiency of the property on a scale from A — the most efficient — to G — the least efficient. It also includes recommendations for improvements that could increase the property's energy efficiency rating. For buyers, this gives a useful indication of likely running costs. For sellers, it's worth knowing your EPC rating in advance as it can influence buyer perception.
The Property Questionnaire is completed by the seller and contains useful background information about the property — things like council tax band, factoring arrangements, any alterations that have been made and details of any ongoing notices or disputes. It gives buyers a fuller picture of the property beyond its physical condition.
Every seller in Scotland must have one in place before their property can be marketed for sale
Instructed and paid for before the property goes to market, it's one of the first costs to factor in when planning your sale
The Single Survey, EPC and Property Questionnaire into one comprehensive pack, everything you need to know about a property in one place
Valid for 12 weeks from the date it's issued, so timing when you instruct your surveyor is an important part of getting your sale off to the best possible start.
Don't worry about arranging the Home Report yourself. Castlebrae coordinates the entire process — from booking the surveyor to managing the paperwork. We'll make sure everything is in place before your property goes on the market, so you can focus on preparing your home for viewings.
Call us on 01506 676300 or book your free valuation today.
Can I use the same Home Report if I take my property off the market and re-list it?
If your property has been off the market for more than 12 weeks you'll typically need a new or updated Home Report before you can relist. We'll help you navigate this and liaise directly with your surveyor to find the most straightforward and cost-effective solution, so you can get back on the market as quickly as possible.
What if I disagree with the surveyor's valuation?
If you feel the valuation in your Home Report doesn't accurately reflect your property's worth, you can discuss this with your surveyor. It's also worth having a conversation with us — we'll give you our honest view on whether the figure is in line with current market evidence and advise on the best way to proceed.
Can a buyer request a copy of my Home Report?
Yes — any prospective buyer has the right to request a copy of your Home Report and you're legally obliged to provide it. We handle all Home Report requests on your behalf as part of our service, so you don't need to worry about this.
Does the Home Report cover everything in the property?
The Home Report covers the main structural and condition elements of the property but it isn't an exhaustive inspection of every fixture and fitting. If a buyer has specific concerns about particular elements of the property — a boiler, for example, or specialist items like solar panels — they may wish to arrange a separate specialist inspection.
