Letter: Home truths

on WHAT basis does David McLetchie (your report, 9 April) claim that Home Reports should be abolished just because Home Information Packs in England and Wales are no longer required in house sales?

HIPs are not the same as Home Reports, and it is unacceptable for Mr McLetchie, the head of the Conservative Holyrood campaign, to hoodwink the Scottish public.

As a previous opponent to Home Reports, I have been pleasantly surprised by how many potential purchasers have actually read them and discuss the details with us before offering for properties. Solicitors for purchasers are now more confident that offerors are less cavalier than they used to be. Buyers from England are particularly taken with Home Reports.

The format of Home Reports is far from perfect and needs refinement, but the market and most lenders are accepting them. They are here to stay even in a reformed format which is under consideration.

I was concerned that the cost of Home Reports would put off speculative house sellers, but the activity in our office would suggest that sales are making a sustained recovery, especially since the turn of the year, and that the Home Reports have had a broadly neutral effect.

GRAEME McCORMICK

Conveyancing Direct

The Salmond Chambers

Morrison Street, Glasgow