Keywords
Citation
(2004), "Latest on sellers pack plans", Structural Survey, Vol. 22 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/ss.2004.11022aab.001
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2004, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Latest on sellers pack plans
Latest on sellers pack plans
Keywords: Homes, Condition reports
The government has confirmed that it is legislating to introduce the long delayed home sellers' pack in England and Wales. December's Queen's Speech confirms that the government is bringing forward the housing bill, already issued in draft form, as part of the coming year's legislative programme. In its response to the ODPM select committee's report on the bill, the government confirmed that the home information packs would be included in the bill. However, it says the “final detail” of the packs will be not be published until the bill has received Royal Assent and will consider responses and views expressed during its passage through Parliament. The response also said that the government would “not introduce compulsory home condition reports until it was satisfied that sufficient number of home inspectors and satisfactory insurance arrangements are available”. The response said that the research on this issue is due to be published “very shortly”, but expressed confidence that there will be a “sufficient number of inspectors”.
Seller's surveys are also to be piloted in four areas in Scotland from April 2004. In the pilot, sellers will pay for a survey when their properties go on the market. The survey will provide a comprehensive guide to the property's condition together with a valuation, whereas in the established system in Scotland, most home purchasers only pay for a valuation not a survey. The proposed single survey linked to a house sale is designed to tackle weaknesses in the house buying and selling system as identified by the Housing Improvement Task Force.