Surveyors hail new home reports

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/8075934.stm

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House sales in Scotland have been helped by information packs introduced six months ago, according to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

It claims the Home Reports, which have been a requirement since December, have tempted buyers back into market.

The reports, arranged by the seller, include a survey of the house, a study of its energy efficiency and a list of costs such as council tax banding.

RICS estimated 25,000 reports had been prepared by surveyors since they began.

Sarah Speirs from RICS Scotland, said: "Buyers and sellers seem to be getting used to having the Home Report as part of the buying and selling process.

"It was introduced to give potential buyers more upfront information about a property, reduce the need for multiple valuations and to ultimately improve the condition of Scotland's private housing stock.

"Money-conscious purchasers are taking advantage of this."