27 Feb 2007
Scottish homebuilder Applecross properties has become the first developer in Scotland to provide its homebuyers with a Property Log Book which will capture, store and give easy access to all the information they need to know about their property.
Whilst the Scottish Executive is currently considering introducing a legal requirement for this service through the Purchasers Information Pack (PIP), Applecross has opted to press ahead and make Property Log Books part of its customer service package.
Kevin Watson, Applecross’ Customer Care Manager said: “The Property Log Book is an online dossier of your property giving you quick and easy access to everything you need to know about it. We have introduced homebuyers at our New Pitsligo development in Edinburgh to the service and it has been very well received, so we will roll it out to other developments over the coming months.”
“It also provides real value when it comes to selling the home as it streamlines the whole process, saving money on associated sales costs as well as time. Like a car log book it provides transparency in the sales process and so should enhance the value of the property.”
The Property Logbook is accessed online by homebuyers using a secured password.
It will contain:
• Architect drawings of the property
• Fuses and water supply information
• Full specification of the property
• Copies of warranties and guarantees
• Manuals of all home appliances
• History of the surrounding area
• Calendar of maintenance reminders e.g. boilers
• Details of flooring and how to maintain it
The Property Log Book concept and software has been developed by Stuart Young.
He said: “A Property Log Book is created for the life of a property and is very cost effective to run and manage. By choosing to introduce Property Log Book ahead of legislation Applecross properties are not only ahead of the Scottish competition but are also showing commitment to their customer comes first ethos.”
Though homebuyers and sellers are the main beneficiaries of this service, solicitors, mortgage lenders, insurers and estate agents can also have easy, but controlled, access to the information once instructed by a client.
In England, Home Information Packs (HIPs), which carry similar information, will become mandatory from June this year.