Should a seller in England commission a Level 3 and call it a Home Report?

What is the fuller explanation?

RICS distinguishes the Scottish product, which a purchaser can rely on, from a survey written for the person who paid for it. An English seller may still commission a survey to know the house, and may show it. They should say who the client is and that a later buyer should take their own advice. mygov.scot’s nine-day duty does not apply in Leeds.

An EPC in England is required when you sell, and it is still not a survey. Adding an EPC to a Level 3 does not create the three Scottish parts. There is no RICS fee for a fake pack. Use the real names.

What should you ask your surveyor?

• What document are you actually issuing, and who can rely on it?
• Does it include a valuation and a questionnaire? If not, it is not a Home Report.
• Is the property in Scotland?

What are the typical next steps?

1. Sellers in England: say “survey”, not “Home Report”.
2. Buyers: if you need reliance, instruct your own survey or, in Scotland, use the real pack.
3. Do not staple an EPC on the back and invent the missing parts.

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

Which pages should you read next?

• What should a seller reply if a buyer asks them to sign the survey as accurate?
• Does an owner-occupier seller in England have to buy an EICR because the buyer’s survey rated the electrics?
• What should you do if the lender values the home for less and your survey found no rating 3?
• Guide: Should a seller in England or Wales get a survey?
• All UK home survey questions

Sources

• RICS: House surveys: the costs, types and benefits of an RICS home survey
• mygov.scot: Buying a home: Home Report
• GOV.UK: Selling a home: Energy Performance Certificates (A to G, valid for 10 years)