Surveyors say home reports boost market

BUYERS have been tempted back to the housing market by the home report, it has been claimed.

Sellers have seen buyer inquiries increase, according to research by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in Scotland (Rics Scotland).

Next month will mark six months since home reports were required in Scotland's residential property market.

Sarah Speirs, of Rics Scotland, said buyers and sellers seemed to be getting used to the home report being part of the process.

She estimated that between 20,000 and 25,000 reports had been carried out.

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

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