Buying in Scotland

Most of us don’t regularly buy a new home, so it’s no wonder the home-buying process can seem a little confusing at times. However, it’s not as complicated as it can seem. We’ve laid out the steps below to help.

The following information is about the home-buying process in Scotland.

Looking to buy a home in England & Wales? Click here.


Get your finances in order

Firstly, you need to check how much you can borrow, how much your deposit will be, and get a mortgage agreed in principle. Don’t worry, this doesn’t tie you to anything. You can always choose a different provide later.


view our range of schemes


Find a solicitor

You will need a solicitor to take care of all the legal aspects of the home-buying process. Remember to shop around for the best rate and make sure the one you choose specialises in Scottish conveyance (preparing the property transfer documents).

Traditionally, in Scotland, you need to find a solicitor right at the beginning of the home-buying process, as they will make offers on your behalf. One of our sales advisers can put you in touch with a local solicitor if you need any help with this.


Find your new home

Now you know what kind of price range you can afford, you can start the exciting bit.


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Get the home report and survey

In Scotland, you will receive a Home Report from the seller. This consists of three documents:

  • The Single Survey – an assessment of the condition of the home and a valuation
  • The Energy Report – an assessment of the energy efficiency of the home and its environmental impact
  • The Property Questionnaire – extra useful information such as Council Tax banding

Your mortgage lender will probably ask for a separate survey to be commissioned and submitted too.


Reserve your property

In the traditional home-buying process, this stage is similar to the ‘make an offer’ stage. Once your home is reserved, no-one else will be able to reserve it.

 


Arrange your mortgage

There is a lot of choice when it comes to choosing your mortgage – which lender to go with, how you’d like to repay your mortgage, how you’d like the interest calculated and which offers to take advantage of.

Do plenty of research online or through a mortgage broker – our sales advisers can put you in touch with one if you’d like.

 

read our mortgage guide


Complete the contracts

This is when your solicitor steps in to officially transfer the property from the seller to you – known as ‘conveyancing’. Amongst other things, this involves making sure you’ll have complete ownership of the property and that there aren’t any local plans afoot that may affect the value of the property.


Complete settlement and disposition

The final part of the conveyance step is the exchange of contracts.

This is when you pay your deposit and means both you and the seller are committed to the deal.


Move in

The best bit! Before you move in we’ll invite you to your New Home Tour and Demonstration. We’ll demonstrate your new home to you, ensuring that when you move in you know where everything is and how it works.

Then the keys are yours and you can move in!

Family

FAQs

  • When purchasing a home in Scotland, you should be aware of the Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT), the legal process of conveyancing, and the different types of property ownership available.
  • The minimum deposit required for buying a house in Scotland can vary depending on the lender and the specific circumstances, but generally, a deposit of at least 5-10% of the property's value is required.
  • When buying a house in Scotland, you may need to pay fees such as the LBTT, legal fees, survey fees, mortgage arrangement fees, and valuation fees, among others.
  • When purchasing a house in Scotland, there are some notable differences compared to other parts of the UK. For instance, instead of stamp duty, the Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) is used. Additionally, the legal process of conveyancing in Scotland is different.

Help to Sell Schemes

We have a range of schemes to help you sell your existing home.

 

Low Deposit Schemes

If you have a low deposit, we have a variety of schemes to help make moving more affordable.

 

Part Exchange

We could be your guaranteed buyer. No stress or fuss, just an easy move for you and your family.

Key Worker Scheme

We could help make your move with our Key Worker Deposit Contribution Scheme.

Own New - Rate Reducer

Own New - Rate Reducer is a brand-new scheme available on new build homes that could mean lower mortgage rates and reduced monthly payments.

Parent Power

Parents can also help. Typically they (or a close family member) could help you with your deposit, or guarantee your mortgage, or act as a joint applicant.

Related Buying Guides

What is LBTT?

LBTT is the Scottish equivalent of Stamp Duty, and is the tax charged by the Government in Scotland when you buy a home.

READ MORE

First Time Buyers Guide

Buying a first home is a big decision, but there’s nothing quite like the feeling of picking up the keys on the day you move in.

READ MORE

Get Mortgage Fit

It’s important to ensure you and your finances are in the best condition to secure a mortgage, so we’ve listed tips to help with your application.

READ MORE

Online Home Viewing Experience

With information and interactive tools available online to help you find your ideal home, your homebuying experience can be as easy and enjoyable as possible.

READ MORE