What you get from a Home Report

Home reports were introduced in December 2008 and are the Scottish version of the home information packs (Hips) that came into force south of the Border.

Hips, which were less comprehensive than home reports, were scrapped this summer but the Scottish Government said home reports would not be abolished, although it is reviewing the system.

The reports, required for all homes sold in Scotland, comprise a "single survey", an energy efficiency report and a property questionnaire. They cost sellers of an average property about 350.

The single survey is a surveyor's assessment of the property's condition and includes a valuation. The energy report is also carried out by a surveyor. The property questionnaire is completed by the seller.