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Seller-side surveys

Which sales does mygov.scot say may not need a Home Report?

mygov.scot lists exceptions, including houses that were on the market before 1 December 2008, new houses sold off-plan, and seasonal holiday homes. It also says an energy performance certificate can still be required. If you are selling in Scotland, read that page against your sale rather than assuming every listing has a Home Report. England and Wales do not use the system at all.

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?

Where a Home Report is required, the seller provides a single survey and valuation, a property questionnaire and an energy report, and must make it available within the time the page states after a buyer asks. The single survey is a visual inspection by a chartered surveyor. It is not a drain camera or an EICR. Buyers who need those still need those.

A seller who qualifies for an exception should not invent a Home Report, and a buyer should not invent a right to one. Ask the agent which documents are in the pack. If you are south of the border, none of these exceptions matter because the duty does not apply. You commission your own RICS survey if you want one.

What should you ask your surveyor?

  • If a Home Report is provided, which limitations does the single survey record?
  • If it is not provided, which exception is the agent relying on?
  • What will you still not know, such as drains or electrics, either way?

What are the typical next steps?

  1. Check the current exceptions on mygov.scot before you argue.
  2. If you are the seller, ask your solicitor whether this sale needs a Home Report.
  3. If you are the buyer and there is no report, decide whether to instruct your own.

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 holiday let always fall outside the duty?

mygov.scot mentions seasonal holiday homes as an exception. Read the conditions. Do not stretch the phrase to every house someone once let.

Is the property questionnaire optional when the rest is required?

It is one of the three parts. Do not market with only the energy page and call it a Home Report.

Sources