About Home Reports
About Home Reports > Exceptions to the Duty to Provide a Home Report
Anyone marketing a house for sale must provide a copy of a Home Report, but there are some exceptions. These are listed below.
New housing - New housing includes houses that may be sold 'off-plan' to the first purchaser or sold to the first occupier. Any subsequent sale of a house will not be exempt even if it has a certificate from, for example, the National House-Building Council (NHBC).
Newly converted premises - This means a property which is being, or has been, converted to a house if it has not previously been used in its converted state.
Right to Buy homes - As the sale of a house to a tenant under the 'Right to Buy' does not involve marketing, the duty to provide a Home Report does not apply. A separate package of information is being developed for Right to Buy purchasers.
Seasonal and holiday accommodation - This exception refers to seasonal and holiday accommodation (as defined in planning legislation), which only has permission to be used for less than 11 months in any year. It does not include second homes or holiday cottages that could be used all year if the owner so chose.
A portfolio of residential properties - This means a house which is to be sold with one or more other houses and where it is clear from the manner in which the houses are marketed that the seller does not intend to accept an offer to buy one of those houses in isolation from another. Sales of a portfolio of residential properties are considered to be commercial transactions. A house which is ancillary to a principal property may include, for example a 'granny flat', or butler's cottage that is attached to a larger property on a country estate.
'Mixed sales'- This occurs where a house is sold with one or more non-residential properties (provided it is clear that the seller does not intend to consider an offer to buy the house separately from the non-residential property). This might include farmhouses that are part of a working farm, or flats above shops or pubs that are sold with the shop or pub.
Dual use of a dwelling house - This describes the situation where the house is, or forms part of, a property most recently used for both residential and non-residential purposes, such as a commercial studio where the owner also lives in the house.
Unsafe properties - Unsafe properties are evidently in a condition that poses a serious risk to the health or safety of occupants or visitors, or where the way the house is marketed suggests it is unsuitable for occupation in that condition. There is little point in a condition survey being undertaken on a house that is unfit for occupation in any case, and is being advertised as such.
Properties to be demolished - There is an exception for houses to be demolished where it is clear the house is suitable for demolition and all the necessary consents have been obtained for demolition and consents obtained for redevelopment. There is little point in a condition survey being undertaken on a house that is to be demolished and is being advertised as a development site.
Free Information & Advice about Home Reports
Call 0845 234 0966 or email us at sales@homereportquote.co.uk
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.
Click here to view an example of the single survey.
The Energy Report gives a home's energy efficiency rating and its environmental impact in terms of carbon dioxide emissions.
It recommends 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.
Click here to view an example of an energy report
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.