A Home Condition Report contains information about the physical condition of a property, which sellers, buyers and lenders will be able to rely on legally as an accurate report.

The Report is an important part of the Pack, and can be included by sellers on a voluntary basis.

Benefits of a Home Condition Report

Sellers who provide a Report will have an early opportunity to carry out repair work on the property or obtain quotes prior to marketing.

Buyers can use it at the beginning of the home-buying process to minimise the possibility of being faced with unexpected repair bills and other surprises.

Lenders can benefit by using the Report to inform their valuations, reducing the need to repeat a detailed on-site inspection at the buyer's expense.

The Government believes there will be significant benefits to home sellers if they top up their Packs to include full Home Condition Reports, and that this is a product that the market can deliver. Communities and Local Government is working with stakeholders to facilitate the voluntary take-up of the full Report, and has invested resources in promoting and developing it for consumers. You can see a sample of a Home Condition Report on our Publications page.

Home Inspectors

Home Inspectors responsible for preparing Home Condition Reports will hold a qualification at NVQ Level 4 (equivalent to degree level), and will require in-depth knowledge and practical understanding of residential building construction and defects across a range of properties as set out in the approved National Occupational Standards for Home Inspectors. You can find out more about the standards on our industry site.

See also on our site

Buying and Selling
If you're buying a property or selling one, find out what you need to do and how to get a Pack

Publications page
Download useful information, such as a sample HIP.

Sellers' frequently asked questions