Clear, accurate real estate definitions 1,443 terms 6 topics Free A–Z glossary
Legal, Titles & Closing

Property Report

Definition and meaning of Property Report in real estate.

A property report is a formal disclosure document that developers must file with the government and provide to prospective buyers when selling subdivided land or timeshares.

In more detail

Under federal laws, particularly the Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act, and various state laws, developers of certain subdivisions must disclose key details about the land. The report contains crucial details regarding soil conditions, title status, existing liens, utility availability, and distance to nearby communities.

Requirements for these reports can vary by state, but buyers are generally entitled to receive and review the document before signing a contract. If a developer fails to provide this report, the buyer may have a legal right to cancel the contract.

Key facts

CategoryLegal, Titles & Closing
Required byInterstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act
Major focusInfrastructure and title disclosures
Buyer benefitRight to cancel if not provided
Example

An investor interested in buying a vacant lot in a new lakeside subdivision receives a property report detailing that the local utility company has not yet run electrical lines to the parcel.

Frequently asked questions

Who is required to provide a property report?

Developers selling subdivided land, usually consisting of a large number of lots, or timeshares across state lines are legally required to provide this report to prospective buyers.

What information does a property report typically exclude?

A property report focuses on physical characteristics and infrastructure of the land, meaning it does not typically guarantee the future value of the property or the financial success of the development.

Related terms