How to buy a house in Scotland - Allan McDougall, solicitor in Edinburgh, Scotland

This is a step-by-step guide to the process of buying a house in Scotland. Please note that it is a very basic guide only - if you would like to discuss the process in more detail, or talk about your own personal situation, you can call us for free on 0500 600 872.

Contact your solicitor as soon as you find a property you want
Your solicitor will carry out the whole negotiation process and submit an offer on your behalf. If you act quickly, the solicitor may be able to negotiate a deal before other buyers have had a chance to register their interest in the property.
Your solicitor will note interest with the seller's agent
The seller's agent will probably wait until several buyers have noted their interest before setting a closing date. This gives you time to arrange finance and have the property surveyed. Occasionally the seller may negotiate with you, or even accept your offer, when you note interest.
The seller will set a closing date
All buyers should be notified of the date and time by which offers have to be submitted. Your solicitor will submit your offer, following your instructions.
The seller will accept an offer
The seller will usually accept the highest offer, but is not obliged to do so. You will find out whether your offer is accepted shortly after the closing date. If your offer is accepted, the seller's solicitor will negotiate to reach agreement on any conditions relating to the offer. Once all parties are in agreement, the contract (or "missives") can be concluded, consituting a binding contract between the buyer and seller.
Between the stage of offer and date of entry
Your solicitor will undertake several tasks during this period, including checking the title deeds, examining all relevant searches, drafting the deed that will transfer title to you, preparing the security documentation relative to your mortgage, liaising with your mortgage lender over the release of funds... and generally ensuring that all obstacles to the sale are removed.
Date of entry
On the agreed date, your solicitor will transfer the purchase price to the seller's solicitor, accept in exchange the title deeds and keys to the property and arrange to have the property registered in your name.