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If you planned to move home in the immediate future or even in the short term there are a number of things you will need to consider during this period of Government imposed controls over society. Here we’ll examine what your options are and how you can navigate these uncertainties.

Contrary to media speculation, there is no ‘Ban’ on selling your home or moving house, but there are some very tight controls during this period of ‘Social Distancing’.

The most immediate and important point of reference is the Government Advice on home moving during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. This can be found on www.gov.uk and applies to people buying or selling private homes in which they intend to live. The principle here is that where possible people should be flexible in their approach to the situation and where possible follow guidance to stay away from other people (Social Distancing). What does this mean?

1. The Government guidance suggests that you do not need to pull out of transactions.

2. If you are moving into a vacant property then you can continue with this transaction but you should follow the guidance on Home Removals (see below).

3. If you are moving into a property which is currently occupied, the guidance encourages all parties to do what they can to amicably agree to alternative dates for the move, to a time when stay at home measures are no longer in place (reviewed on a 3 weekly basis).

There are some exceptions to this, for example where a move is considered ‘critical’ or where a new move date cannot be agreed – importantly, in the powers given to police to restrict movement this is also an exemption. This is likely to mean that if your move is in the immediate future and if you delayed the move there would be severe hardship for the people involved, you may be able to proceed, but following guidance where possible.

It’s important to recognise that the advice suggests that wherever possible a home move should be delayed. However where this is not possible then people must follow advice on staying away from others. If you can, delay your move, and also be aware that if any person is self-isolating on medical grounds a home move should not go ahead!

Your Mortgage: The UK Governments have worked with ‘UK Finance’ to provide support to customers who have already committed to a move (missives or contracts exchanged) to ensure mortgage lenders support an extension by agreeing to offer a 3 month extension of a mortgage offer to cover this situation. It is important you stay in touch with your lender and mortgage broker for advice in this regard. See www.ukfinance.org.uk

Your Solicitor: Always seek guidance and advice from your solicitor in these circumstances. In Scotland the Law Society of Scotland and the Registers of Scotland (land registry) are working together to make sure that transactions can still proceed even though the ‘Application Record’ has been closed. There is no ‘ban’ on transactions but there are procedures in place your solicitor can provide advice on. See www.ros.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19

Your Home Removals provider: The guidance from Government is that where absolutely unavoidable, removers should honour their commitments to immediate home moves, but following guidance to ensure that this only proceeds where it can be done safely for all people involved. The most recent Government guidance (26/03/2020) states that work can still be carried out in people’s homes provided the provider has no symptoms and is following distancing and hand hygiene guidance. However this is just guidance – any individual removals company may have their own policy to ensure staff safety. See www.bar.co.uk for advice – the home movers trade association.

These are challenging times and you should always be aware of Government advice. We hope this has helped provide information on this subject – most importantly please Stay Safe, protect our NHS and Stay at Home!

Information correct as at 31/03/2020 based on guidance available 26/03/2020.

Your team at Home Report Scotland

Since our previous post concerning business operations and the changing nature of the Scottish Government’s reaction to the Covid 19 Pandemic, we can now confirm that in line with Government instruction we have stopped all property inspections.

Whilst we appreciate our work is essential if you are selling you home, at present we view this as necessary to help protect our team, customers and our vital NHS by following Government instructions.

As of today, 24^th March, 2020, we will be unable to attend a property to undertake inspection for three weeks as advised by the Scottish Government. Any inspections booked have been placed on hold until further guidance is issued.

We have moved our entire support team into home working environments and have temporarily closed our network of offices throughout Scotland.

As soon as we are able we will return to normal business operations and continue to provide our service. Thank you for your patience at this difficult time – our website is still in operation and we will be happy to quote for your Home Report so we can inspect as soon as practicable.

Thank you, stay safe and please stay at home !

The Home Report Scotland and HDG team.

The team at Home Report Scotland and HDG recognise that this is a rapidly changing and very unpredictable situation however we feel it is important that wherever possible we continue to offer our service to the people of Scotland.

Our absolute priority is our people and the safety of our clients. At present we are operating as normal but with strictly adhered to procedures to make sure we mitigate any possibility that the wellbeing of our people and clients is put at risk.

What are we doing?

Below we explain our position:

1. Office based staff and teams: In line with Government guidance we are moving toward all team members working from home in a safe isolated environment. This is an unusual disruption for business but the team is managing this with positivity and a focus on the need for this to happen. Our channels of communication are still open as normal but there may be times when we have implemented work around procedures to enable this change to happen quickly and effectively, so we appreciate your patience.

2. Booking Procedure: Our booking teams in the Surveying Support team have been asked to follow a script to ensure the safety of our people. In line with the seriousness of the situation a series of questions will be asked to establish whether it is safe to attend your home. We appreciate and respect your privacy but it is necessary to ask questions such as ‘is anyone in the household self-isolating?’ or ‘Is anyone in the Household showing signs of Covid 19 Symptoms?’ Your assistance in this regard is greatly appreciated.

3. Field Based Surveying Staff: At present we are available for a full service for Home Reports and Valuation work. Our Surveyors are experts at dynamic risk assessment and this is no different. Our promise is that where a Surveyor is working and not isolating per current guidance they will be scrupulous in their attention to detail when entering your home. Good hand hygiene and distancing practice will be followed at all times.

What does this mean for you?

· Your Surveyor will call ahead and reiterate the booking process questions and confirm it is acceptable to still access the property.

· Surveyors will either have sanitised hands or will wash their hands before and after their inspection with your permission – providing hot water and soap is a great help.

· Our Surveyors will maintain a safe personal distance from you and your family.

· Some Surveyors may choose to wear a mask and request that you open your door just prior to their arrival to limit surface touching.

· It will greatly assist our team if you provide access to rooms by having doors open prior to our arrival.

· It will greatly assist our team if you clear access to boilers and utilities within the property and expose any areas such as cellars and roof spaces for access before our entry.

· We recognise that there are certain groups who are considered vulnerable. We will only access if you are completely happy for us to do so.

We are working hard to make sure that your team at HDG and Home Report Scotland can still provide a service during these unprecedented and challenging times. Our team reviews the situation daily and our guidance changes in line with this as required – we’ll keep you posted where necessary. Thank you for your assistance in this.

Stay Safe and Keep Positive!

Your Team at Home Report Scotland and HDG.

Home reports have been around for 12 years! In Scotland, property sellers will need to file a report and to provide it to potential buyers if they request it.  It is so that any questions regarding the cost of running a property, as well as upkeep, are handled with comprehensive answers.  However, are home reports required in Scotland?  There does still seem to be a little confusion out there on the topic.  Don’t worry, as we are here to clear it all up for you.

Do I Need a Home Report in Scotland?

Yes.  If you are selling property in Scotland, you will need to arrange for a home report to take place.  You will need to do so before you put your home on the market, and what’s more, you will need to ensure that your property’s data is no older than 12 weeks at the point of sale.  This is so that buyers can understand what they are getting into with a property sale.  A home report will make sure they can make confident decisions when it comes to making offers, too.

What is in a Home Report?

In Scotland, a home report is important because it contains three crucial surveys.  These will inform a buyer on any work which is necessary – such as for repairs and safety upgrades – as well as how much they can expect to pay in council tax and energy fees. This gives them extra confidence and can make all the difference if they are looking at other properties in the area.

Where Do I Start?

If you are unsure where to start with a home report in Scotland, don’t worry.  To arrange a report and the surveys included, you need to get in touch with a local RICS qualified surveyor.  This is a home inspection expert who will take a look at various facets of your home to produce your Home Report.  They will also ensure that a property receives full inspection and vetting, ensuring that prospective buyers’ questions are adequately handled without the need to ask more of the seller.

Contact Home Report Scotland

If you need to contact a RICS qualified Surveyor in Scotland, or would like to know more about the home report process, Home Report Scotland is here to help.  We represent leading professionals in the trade who can attend properties across the country at short notice.  Depend on our team to offer a reliable quote and a speedy way to claim that all-important report.

Do you need a home report in Scotland?  Yes – and there is no time like the present when it comes to getting your surveys arranged and in order.  Contact us now!