Buying a Home in Scotland: A Step-by-Step conveyancing guide

Buying a home is the biggest transaction most people will make. While it can be complicated, this guide is here to help.

This conveyancing guide explains the Scottish conveyancing process. While there may be some differences (for example with new build properties or properties bought at auction), the legal process is broadly the same.

If you are looking for a free conveyancing quote, or you would like to make an offer on a property, contact Kee Solicitors today. We are the conveyancing solicitors Glasgow trusts.

Step 1 - Finances & Mortgage Agreements in principle.

Before you begin looking in earnest, you should get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage.

You should speak to a mortgage lender and make a mortgage application. This will let you know how much you can borrow based on your personal circumstances. Once you have an idea of the price range that you can afford, you'll need to arrange a mortgage. A formal offer on a property can quickly lead to a binding contract, so it's essential that your mortgage arrangements or other funding are in place.

Your solicitor will ensure you understand what you're agreeing to before any contracts are concluded.

Step 2 - Finding a property

Our Estate Agents can information on property in the area and use our expert local knowledge to help find the perfect property for you. Once you've found a property you like, ask your conveyancing solicitor to note interest with the selling agents. This lets the seller know that you're interested in the property. It doesn't restrict the sellers or oblige you to buy but ensures that you are kept informed.

Step 3 - Review the Home Report

Once you've noted interest in a property, you'll be provided with a copy of its Home Report. This will contain a property questionnaire, a report on the condition of the property, and an Energy Performance Certificate. You may also wish to have an independent survey or searches on the property you're considering, or your mortgage lender may require one. We will advise you on the best type of report for the property you've chosen.

Step 4 - Making an Offer

We will provide you with guidance to help you decide how much to offer for a property, based on our property valuation experience and expert knowledge of the property market. We will also prepare the formal offer, sign it on your behalf, and submit it to the seller’s agents. If there are other people interested in the property, the sellers may set a closing date when all the interested parties must submit their best offers. If you're the only person interested or if the property is advertised for sale at a fixed price, it may be possible to put in an offer right away.

Step 5 - Offer Acceptance: Finalising the Contract

If your offer is accepted verbally by the seller, it will be followed by a written acceptance from the seller's solicitor. The written acceptance may be a qualified acceptance, which we will discuss with you in depth. There may follow a period of contract negotiations known as the missives. It may take some time, but once all points have been agreed in writing, a binding contract called "concluded missives" will have been formed. Although you will not have been asked to sign anything at this stage, you will still be bound by the terms of the contract. We will make sure that the contract reflects exactly what has been decided and that you understand what you're agreeing to.

Step 6 - Transfer of Ownership

We will check the documents of ownership/title deeds and inform you of the description of the property, any rights relating to it, and any conditions that will have to be observed by you as the owner. These conditions can include parking restrictions, a ban on putting up a satellite dish, or obligations to pay repair costs. A title deed, called a "disposition," is required to transfer the property to you. This is prepared by us, checked by the seller's solicitors, and signed by the seller.

If you have a mortgage in place this gives your mortgage provider certain rights over the property This includes the right to take ownership if you fail to meet your repayments or other conditions. Our solicitors will advise you about the implications of the mortgage agreement. We will ensure there are no issues with the title or the ability of the seller to sell the property. Then they will request the funds from the mortgage provider to pay the purchase price to the seller's solicitors.

Costs of buying a home in Scotland

It's important to note that there are other costs involved in buying a property in addition to the purchase price, such as Land and Buildings Transaction Tax. These costs are dependent on the value of the property, and we will calculate them for you.

Completion & date of entry

The transaction is completed on the entry date when the title documents (deeds) are delivered to your solicitor, the price is paid to the seller's solicitor, and you get the keys to your new home.

How long does conveyancing take in Scotland?

Conveyancing in Scotland typically takes between 4-8 weeks but can vary depending on several factors.

For example, a transaction which is more complex can take longer, as can properties which require additional inspections. If there are problems with the seller’s title to the property, then the process may take longer too.

The best conveyancing solicitors will speed up the process as much as possible for you.

We will deal with everything involved in helping you buy your new home, from the offer to the moment you move in. We help everyone from first-time buyers taking their first steps into home ownership, to experienced landlords making their hundredth property purchase and we are here to help you.

Why choose Kee Solicitors?

It can be hard to compare conveyancing law firms. Most people simply search for something like “property solicitors near me” and then compare on price. We pride ourselves on offering a premium service, reasonable fees and excellent customer care. We know how important it is to communicate with our clients, keep them up to date and resolve matters swiftly.

Contact our Conveyancing lawyers Glasgow & Aberdeen

So, if you're thinking of buying a property in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Edinburgh or anywhere else in Scotland contact us today - we are the property solicitors Glasgow trusts.