RICS Homebuyer Report (HBR)

Type of property:  conventional property in reasonable condition.

Type of service:  provides all of the features in the Home Condition Report, plus:

  • The surveyor’s professional opinion on the market value
  • An insurance reinstatement figure for the property
  • Details of significant problems that the surveyor considers may affect the value of the property
  • Advice on repairs and ongoing maintenance issues that need to be investigated to prevent serious damage or dangerous conditions
  • Legal issues that need to be addressed before completing the purchase
  • Information on location, local environment and the recorded energy efficiency (where available)

Reason for service: to help you make an informed judgment on whether to buy a property and this is at a reasonable price. To be clear on the decisions and actions that need to be taken before contracts are exchanged.

For awareness: the HBR can benefit sellers – if commissioned before the property is put on the market, it may alert owners to problems that could later hold up the sale.  Potentially allows purchasers to negotiate a better deal with the seller.

Valuation included: yes.

Report format: uses standardized RICS report with clear traffic light ratings system.