Hello Scotland, and Welcome to our World!

A recent survey carried out by the BBC has found that, following the introduction of Home Reports on 1st December 2008 the Scottish housing market is suffering reduced activity. The survey was aimed at solicitors throughout Scotland to find out how much the new Home Reports had affected the market. Those of us involved in the industry in England and Wales could have told them the outcome of the introduction of Home Reports long before the actual date and probably could have provided accurate survey responses as well. According to the BBC home owners rushed to put their houses up for sale before the date of the introduction of the compulsory Home Reports and, we are told, few houses have been placed on the market for sale since.

Many of the solicitors consulted by the survey believe the cost of supplying the Home Reports is prohibitive and the scheme should be reviewed. There has, however, been criticism of the survey report by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors who believe Home Reports will benefit the market in the long term. It has also been pointed out that economic factors may be having a negative effect on the housing market as well. They don’t say!
Sorry Scotland but.....welcome to the property market we have been suffering with in England and Wales for quite a while now.