Property Conveyancing Solicitors — Scotland
Our experienced conveyancing solicitors provide essential residential and commercial conveyancing services and legal expertise, helping you navigate property transactions.
Get in touch with us
Everything we do at Watermans is about getting you the resolution you need and making that process straightforward. Start the process by sending us your details below or calling us on 0131 555 7055
Residential Conveyancing
Buying or selling a house can be one of the biggest milestones in your life. Although an exciting time, it can also be stressful, and our legal team at Watermans are here to help by guiding you through it all.
Commercial Conveyancing
Whether you are a property investor, a business owner, or a developer looking for your next project, you can be assured of our expert help with all aspects of your commercial property transaction.
Estate Agency
Having Watermans as your estate agent means that you can ensure the property sale process will be as straightforward as possible — leaving you to focus on packing!
Going the Extra Mile
"From the moment we engaged Watermans, it was clear that our satisfaction was their top priority. What stood out the most was the proactive nature of the service, at anytime going the extra mile. I would wholeheartedly recommend them having utilised their services on two separate occasions."
Stephen, Estate Agency & Conveyancing Client
The Short of It
For commercial and residential conveyancing,
Watermans supports every stage of your property transaction by simplifying the process.
As a team of expert solicitors and estate agents,
we offer expert guidance in buying or selling a property, supported by knowledge of the Scottish property market.
With offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee,
our conveyancing solicitors offer nationwide support.
Watermans is all about giving you straightforward advice
and making the process of buying or selling a house as transparent as possible.
The Long of It
Our Estate Agency
Watermans are trusted property solicitors based in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee. With dual expertise in property law and estate agency, we handle the buying and selling of Scottish properties.
Our expert team of estate agents and Scottish conveyancing solicitors can assist with all your real estate needs. Whether you’re preparing for a house sale or starting the process, we’re here to help. Our estate agents and property solicitors in Scotland can assist with valuations, listings, property searches, contract exchanges and much more.
What you need to know
We advertise your property on popular platforms like ESPC, Rightmove and Zoopla to ensure maximum exposure to potential buyers. At Watermans, we ensure that all our interactions our solicitors are honest and transparent. You’ll never have any hidden fees when you work with our commercial and residential conveyancing services.
We ensure our advice and cost breakdowns are accurate and easy to understand. That way, you can focus on the excitement of moving house.
Residential Conveyancing
As residential conveyancing solicitors, Watermans can assist every step of the way with the conveyancing process.
Whether it’s determining the best purchase price, assisting with property sale conditions, or drafting contracts, we’re proactive in securing the best outcome for you. As your buyer’s conveyancer or seller’s solicitor, we ensure each contract is legally binding and correctly managed.
Our specialist team can also advise on land and building transaction tax (LBTT) and other aspects of the legal process. This is especially important for first-time buyers or those unfamiliar with the different stages of conveyancing.
What you need to know
Watermans offers you the combined expertise of a law firm with all the industry knowledge of our team of estate agents.
Our experienced team handles everything except the packing. We begin by establishing your legal ownership. This involves checking your title deeds, reviewing home reports, and listing your property.
Next, we find potential buyers, negotiate the best possible purchase price, and manage the qualified acceptance offers on your behalf.
Our team of conveyancing lawyers in Scotland can also support you when buying a home. We’ll help you submit offers ahead of the closing date and handle the entire conveyancing process. This gives you complete peace of mind from start to finish.
Commercial Conveyancing
As commercial property solicitors, we can manage the legal requirements of the transfer all the way from the initial interest to completion. Our commercial conveyancing solicitors submit your commercial Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) return and offer advice on the latest market developments.
What you need to know
As your commercial conveyancing solicitor, we work closely with you throughout the buying and selling of commercial buildings and land. We’ll handle the building transactions and offers, allowing you to focus on your business.
Conveyancing Team
Head of Conveyancing
Solicitors
Paralegals and Legal Executives
Purchase Negotiators
Legal Secretaries
AML and Compliance Officers
Fixed Price £1,425,000
5 Bedroom Detached Villa for sale
The Hazel,
7 Inveroe Steadings,
Balerno,
West Lothian,
EH14 7FL
Fixed Price £1,425,000
5 Bedroom Detached Villa for sale
The Aspen,
1 Inveroe Steadings,
Balerno,
West Lothian,
EH14 7FL
Watermans: Efficient Property Conveyancing in Scotland
Watermans is a full-service law firm and estate agency in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Dundee. Our conveyancing experts are dedicated to making the transaction as smooth as possible.
Whether you’re moving house, remortgaging, or selling property, our solicitors offer a comprehensive service. We provide tailored legal advice and expert insight into the property market. Our team works closely with your mortgage lender and estate agent to ensure every step of the transaction runs smoothly and efficiently.
We pride ourselves on our proactive approach, which ensures clients receive fast, accurate updates at every stage of the process. Everything we do at Watermans is about getting you the resolution you need and making that process as easy as possible.
Why choose us Meet the teamFirst Homes Fund - What do you need to know?
Information for First-Time Buyers
What is the First Homes Fund in Scotland?
The First Homes Fund is a shared equity scheme funded by the Scottish Government to assist 50,000 Scottish first-time buyers with getting on the property ladder. The scheme will be open to applications from first-time buyers in Scotland, providing up to £10,000 towards a property deposit. This is the first time in four years that the fund has been reintroduced following the previous schemes’ closure in 2022.
How does the First Homes Fund work?
A buyer using the scheme to purchase their first home will own the title and deeds in full, with the Government owning an equity stake. For example, if the Government provides 10% of the total purchase fee, then they will hold a 10% equity share in the property.
Do I have to repay the funding in monthly instalments?
You won’t have to repay the funding in monthly instalments. If you choose to sell your property down the line, the Government will receive a percentage share of the sale price in return.
Who can apply for the First Homes Fund in Scotland?
The First homes Fund will be open to first-time buyers in Scotland who are purchasing a property using a mortgage. If you have never owned a property in Scotland but have previously bought property in another part of the world, you will not be eligible for the scheme.
Only those first-time buyers looking to buy property with a maximum purchase price of £300,000 can apply; if you are offering on a property over this price, you won’t be considered.
When does the First Homes Fund open for applications?
Applications for the First Home Fund will be open by the end of June. While we wait for an official date to be announced, we suggest getting in touch with an expert first-time buyer solicitor so that you can focus on applying for the fund as soon as it opens.
Watermans first-time buyer solicitors can help to simplify your house-buying process by
- Helping you to navigate the property market, working with you from your initial queries right up to when you get the keys
- Putting you in touch with trusted mortgage brokers to arrange your mortgage in principle
- Advising on notes of interest and how much to offer on a property
- Supporting you with any questions you may have along the way
Can I use the First Homes Fund as my property deposit?
The First Homes Fund is intended to be used in conjunction with your deposit. Mortgage lenders will require a minimum deposit to qualify for a mortgage, as well as proof that you will be able to afford monthly repayments. If you don’t meet these criteria, the fund cannot be used in place of a full deposit.
How to apply for the First Homes Fund in Scotland
Applications for the First Homes Fund are due to open by the end of June, with further guidance on the process and requirements expected to be announced soon on the Scottish Government website.
Get in touch with one of our expert first-time buyer solicitors using the form below, or by calling us on 0131 555 7055, to find out more now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you will need a solicitor or licensed conveyancer to handle the legal transfer of ownership. We recommend calling our conveyancing team early in the process, as we can guide you through every step of the way.
Yes, you do. In Scotland, all offers must be submitted as a formal legal document called a “missive.” This can only be submitted by a lawyer. Verbal agreements are not legally binding, so it’s essential to have a solicitor handle the offer on your behalf.
Conveyancing fees may vary depending on the property, services provided and the conveyancing solicitor. For further information on the costs involved, it’s best to get in touch with us as soon as possible. We’ll assess your needs and provide a straightforward, transparent estimate of the conveyancing fees.
It will vary slightly depending on the property, but the required deposit is usually around 10% of the total purchase price. This will be paid to the seller on the Date of Entry or Date of Settlement, which your buyer’s solicitor will transfer to the seller’s conveyancer on the exchange date.
Conveyancing in Scotland is generally straightforward, but the timeline can vary based on circumstances. The average duration is 8 weeks, though factors such as property type, chain delays, or legal checks can affect this timeframe.
The conveyancing process involves the following steps:
- Reviewing contracts to ensure all legal terms are correct and fair.
- Carrying out property searches, including local authorities and drainage searches
- Confirming the legal title by checking the title deeds and Land Registry records
- Liaising with the mortgage lender to finalise funding requirements
- Handling the contracts, ensuring they are legally binding
- Calculating the LBTT
- Registering the new owner with the Land Registry
- Advising on related fees and ensuring all costs involved are transparent.
The Land and Building Transaction Tax will be worked out according to the rates calculations released by the Scottish Parliament every year. Remember that UK announcements about Stamp Duty Tax do not apply in Scotland. Your dedicated property solicitor will be able to advise on the latest tax rates.
Conveyancing in Scotland can be a complex process that raises many questions. Watermans is here to give you the simple answers to any questions you might have, whether you’re curious about selling a house or a commercial property.
Yes. Our experienced solicitors can guide you through the remortgaging process. We’ll handle the legal checks, communicate with your new or existing lender, and ensure all documents are correctly filed.
The Law Society of Scotland is a professional governing body for solicitors in Scotland. Their primary goal is to regulate and represent over 13,000 solicitors, ensuring high professional standards, ethical practice, and public protection. The society also advocates for legal reform, provides professional development opportunities, and helps the public find qualified solicitors.
Contact our expert estate agents at Watermans today for straightforward property conveyancing in Scotland.