Opinions on single survey sought

Society seeks solicitors' views on way forward for homebuying information

News, 24 January 2007

The Law Society of Scotland is urging solicitors to contribute to the debate on the single survey through an online questionnaire.

The questionnaire, launched this week, asks for feedback on the aims of the single survey, including the use of mortgage valuations, averting multiple surveys, improving information available to prospective buyers, deterring low "offers over" prices and improving Scotland’s housing stock overall.

It also asks solicitors to comment on what impact they think the introduction of the single survey might have, and key issues such as the lifespan of the single survey product and the property sale questionnaire (PSQ).

Janette Wilson, convener of the Conveyancing Committee, said: "This gives us a great opportunity to canvass the profession directly on an issue that will affect hundreds of thousands of homebuyers across Scotland.

"There has already been a huge amount of discussion surrounding the planned introduction of the single survey, but our online survey will allow those practitioners who may not yet have been part of the debate to get involved.

"The survey will also allow the Society to collect valuable information on the views of conveyancers, whether they operate within a property hotspot or in a slower market. We want to ensure that we not only have as much information as possible, but that it truly reflects the views of the wider profession, and not just those of the most vociferous."

"Viable alternative"

The Society has backed increased information being available to housebuyers, but has criticised plans for the single survey. It fears that a compulsory survey could have a negative impact on consumers and suggests it should be made voluntary to ensure consumer choice.

Ms Wilson added: "The Society has promoted the PSQ, currently being piloted, as a viable alternative to an information pack containing a huge amount of overly legalistic documentation, which would be expensive and time consuming to prepare.

"It provides key, practical information that people really want before they consider putting in an offer or commissioning a survey on a property, such as council tax bandings or whether there is a maintenance contract for the central heating."

The Society has pledged to continue to work with the Executive and other property industry professionals "to try to ensure that any further changes work to the benefit of those living in Scotland".