A new way of buying and selling homes will be implemented in Scotland in December 2008.
Home Report will give buyers and sellers better information on house conditions and value. It will save buyers money because the seller will provide a survey so that potential buyers can make informed decisions. There are several information leaflets about HOME Buyers Pack available for you to download. Which? and the Scottish Consumer Council strongly support the Home Report.
Home Report will comprise of three elements; Single Survey, Property Questionnaire and Energy Report.
The Single Survey contains as assessment by a surveyor of the condition of the home, a valuation and an accessibility audit for people with particular needs. The Single Survey gives sellers detailed information about the condition and value of a home before it is marketed for sale. It also gives buyers better information about the condition and value of a home before they make an offer to purchase. The Single Survey includes an accessibility audit that will make Scotland the first country to require that the accessible features of every home for sale are highlighted to potential buyers. This information will benefit parents with young children, and older people, as well as disabled people.
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. The Energy Report gives a home's energy efficiency rating and its environmental impact in terms of carbon dioxide emissions. It reccommends ways to improve the building's energy efficiency and gives contact details for further advice and information about how to make a home more energy efficient and save fuel costs. The Energy Report helps home buyers to make 'green' choices, by comparing energy costs between homes and giving practical advice to reduce carbon emissions and save on energy bills. There are seperate provisions for other types of properties such as new build, rented properties, public sector buildings and business premises.
The Property Questionnaire is completed by the seller of the home. It contains information about the home that will be useful for buyers. The Property Questionnaire contains information for home buyers, solicitors and surveyors. It would include, for example, a home's council tax band, parking facilities, factoring arrangements, any local authority notices that affect it and alterations that have been made to the home. This information will be useful for buyers before they decide whether to submit an offer to purchase a home. The Property Questionnaire will also reduce the risk of delay and difficulties in conveyancing.
What is an Energy Performance Certificate?
An EPC is a document which states the energy efficiency of a building based on the standardised way the building is used and provides the building owner with a number of ways in which the efficiency could be improved.
Will this apply to all properties?
This requirement applies to all property types both dwellings and non-dwellings which are on the market at January 4 2009. Dwellings which are being sold and subject to a 'Home Report' from 1 December 2008 will have an EPC provided as part of the document package and there will be no need to take further action.
However, even if the property is not subject to a Home Report, an EPC will usually be required and appropriate steps to obtain one should be taken by the middle of December. Such action will ensure compliance with the legislation which comes into force on January 4, 2009.
Who can provide an EPC?
In Scotland, there are organisations approved by Scottish Ministers who may provide EPCs for existing buildings. EPCs produced by indivduals not included on the approved list are invaild and could result in the building owner being prosecuted for non compliance.
More information on EPCs can be found on the Scottish Building Standards website.