Page 19 - July 2023

EXPERT ADVICE DREAM HOMES

What to look for in the

Home Report when
buying a property Coasting along

David Marshall, Operations Director
at Warners, discusses how to use a
Home Report.

Dreaming of a more relaxed pace of life?
This St Monans townhouse could be just the place.
ome Reports have been a fixture in the Within the survey, aspects of the property are
Scottish property market for almost 15 graded from one, indicating that no action
Hyears, but because buying a property is or repair is needed, to three, which suggests
something that most of us do relatively rarely immediate action is required to address an
many people still have a limited knowledge issue. If you are buying a property of a certain
of them. Our purchasing team at Warners is age then some twos are to be expected,
frequently asked ‘what’s in a Home Report?’ but if there are any threes these should be
and ‘what should I be looking out for in a investigated. The easiest way to do this is to
Home Report?’ have your solicitor make any offer subject to a
relevant specialist report.
There are three elements to a Home
Report: the survey element which covers Rising energy costs mean that the EPC rating
the condition of the property, the Energy is of greater importance to buyers. The EPC will
Performance Certificate (EPC), and the give an indication of both the property’s current
Property Questionnaire (PQ) which provides energy efficiency as well as the steps that could
more general information about the property. be taken to improve this.
The first two elements are completed by a
surveyor, whilst the seller completes the PQ. Finally, you should keep an eye out in the PQ for
the ongoing costs associated with the property,
Fortunately, you can request Home Reports such as factor fees and council tax. The PQ also
directly from espc.com. There is lots of useful provides information on any alterations the
information in it, but there are a few things you owner has made to the property, and whether
will want to focus on. The most obvious is the relevant consents are in place for these.
valuation which gives the surveyor’s view on
the value of the property. This can be used Being able to navigate a Home Report is
as a starting point on how much to offer, and important when buying a property. Your
your solicitor will be able to offer additional solicitor and financial adviser will be able to
insight based on the level of interest in the advise on any queries that you have about the
property, recent sales comparables, and your report helping you to avoid any potential pitfalls
own circumstances. when looking for your new home.

If you’re looking to discuss your property sale, get in touch with Warners on 0131 667 0232
or email sps@warnersllp.com
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