Seller-side surveys
Does the word “accessibility” in a Scottish single survey mean the loft was inspected?
Do not assume that. mygov.scot says the single survey tells you about the home’s condition, its accessibility and repairs. The page does not define accessibility. It might mean how the home can be used, or how much the surveyor could reach. Only the report in your hand uses the word in context. A loft marked not inspected is not inspected, whatever the heading says.
Last reviewed 24 October 2026. Written for buyers in England and Wales unless this answer says otherwise. No named surveyor has signed this page. It is general guidance, not a report on your house, and not legal advice.
What is the fuller explanation?
English reports use “not inspected” and limitations. Scottish single surveys are a different form. RICS says a purchaser can rely on the Home Report, which means you read the limits rather than filling them with hope. If the roof space, a subfloor or a locked wing is excluded, the reliance does not invent a look.
Ask the surveyor, through the selling agent if that is the route, what this report’s accessibility wording refers to. Do not email them a demand to regrade the house. There is no fee on the mygov page for a translation into English ratings. If you need the loft seen, ask for access. Do not stand on a chair and call it the survey.
What should you ask your surveyor?
- Which spaces does the report say were not accessed?
- Is “accessibility” in this PDF about the building’s use, or about your inspection limits?
- What would a buyer still not know?
What are the typical next steps?
- Read every “not inspected” line before you read the valuation.
- Ask for the loft to be opened if the report says it was shut and the roof matters to you.
- Do not translate the word into an English NI rating without reading the sentence.
Costs vary with the building and with who you instruct. Where this page does not cite a published figure, ask the surveyor, a relevant specialist, or your solicitor for a written quote. Do not treat a forum average as the price.
Also asked about this
Does a valuation prove the loft was entered?
No. The valuation is an opinion of worth. It is not an access note.
Can you rely on a limit?
You can rely on the report you have, including its limits. Reliance is not permission to pretend a closed hatch was opened.