Buying your first home is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Our first-time buyer guide for Scotland simplifies the home buying journey, giving you the confidence to take each step with clarity. At Watermans, we provide straightforward legal advice and support to help you climb the property ladder with ease. It should be that simple.
Whether you’re still renting or just starting your house-hunting journey, our conveyancing solicitors are here to help. We’ll guide you from the property search to final legal ownership.
Explore our help & advice page for more information on the best places to live in Scotland.
What Buying Your First Home Involves
If you’re wondering what is a first-time buyer, it simply means you’re purchasing your first property and have never owned one before. In Scotland, this comes with distinct rules and processes that differ from those in the rest of the UK.
The house buying process involves several important steps and documents, including home reports, mortgage agreements and property questionnaires. Understanding how these parts connect helps simplify the process for first-time buyers.
Legal terms such as missives, title deeds, and disbursements might sound confusing, but we explain everything in plain language. Our team ensures that you meet all legal requirements, avoid costly pitfalls, and move smoothly towards obtaining the keys to your first home.
Who This Guide is For
You may find this helpful if you:
- If you are thinking about buying your first home in Scotland
- Want clear steps on how to buy your first house
- Are unsure what the first-time buyer requirements are
- If you are looking for a good solicitor with experience helping first-time buyers
- Want to understand what first-time buyer fees are and other costs you can expect
Many first-time buyers in Scotland are currently in rented accommodation and want to stop paying rent and start building equity. Others may be moving out of their family home to get on the property ladder for the first time. No matter your current situation, this helpful guide is designed for you.
Our expert team offers professional help for first-time buyers in Scotland. Contact us for more information today.
The Legal Process Explained
The legal process for the first-home buying process can seem daunting. But with the right guidance, it becomes manageable. Below, you’ll find the steps tailored specifically for first-time home buyers in the Scottish property market.
Work Out Your Budget
First, determine how much you can afford to spend. Factor in your deposit, monthly mortgage payments, legal fees, Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT), and other costs like contents insurance and solicitors’ fees. If you are purchasing a home as a couple, consider a cohabitation agreement. While never pleasant, this agreement can help save money and prevent disagreements.
Get a Mortgage Agreement in Principle
Before starting your property search, speak to a mortgage adviser to secure a mortgage agreement in principle. This document demonstrates to sellers and agents that you’re a serious buyer. We work with a number of trusted mortgage advisors, and would be happy to put you in touch with someone at the beginning of your property-buying journey.
Find a Property
Browse property websites or contact a local estate agent. Try visiting homes and various areas at different times of the day to get a better idea of the environment. You’ll see how busy or quiet it is, and if the area meets your needs.
In Scotland, sellers must provide a home report, which includes:
- Single Survey: A professional assessment of the property’s condition and valuation
- Energy Report: This report includes the energy efficiency rating and environmental impact.
- Property Questionnaire: Completed by the seller to highlight important details like council tax band, alterations and parking.
You’ll see properties listed as “offers over” or at a fixed price. “Offers over” refers to the seller inviting bids above the listed price, often resulting in a competitive bidding process. A fixed-price listing means that the first person to offer the purchase price may secure the property, thereby avoiding bidding wars.
Instruct a Solicitor
Appoint a conveyancing solicitor early on. As your property solicitor, we will help you to:
- Review the home report
- Conduct necessary property checks
- Submit a formal note of interest
- Liaise with the seller’s solicitor
Submit an Offer
Once you’ve found a property you want to buy, your solicitor will help you make a formal offer. In competitive markets, this is usually done by a closing date.
Finalise the Mortgage
If your offer is accepted, inform your lender and apply for the full mortgage offer. A mortgage valuation will confirm that the property’s value matches to the agreed purchase price.
Conclude Missives
This is a legal requirement in Scotland. Missives are a series of formal letters between solicitors that form the contract for the sale. Once the missives are concluded (all the terms are agreed and confirmed in writing), the agreement is legally binding, and both parties are committed to the sale.
Complete Legal Checks & Transfer of Ownership
Your solicitor will:
- Register the property under your name
- Pay the Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT)
- Ensure the seller’s mortgage is cleared
- Arrange the transfer of funds
Get the Keys & Move In
On the agreed-upon date of entry, the sale is completed. You receive your keys and officially own your new home!
Get the best tips for first-time home buyers from Watermans. Speak to one of our expert team members today.
FAQs for the First-Time House Buying Process
Below, we’ve curated some of the most common questions asked by first-time buyers.
What should I look out for when viewing a house?
While no home is flawless, it’s important to check for obvious issues that could lead to future expenses. Pay close attention to signs of dampness, mould, or cracked walls, as well as the quality of windows, water pressure, roof condition, and general maintenance. A few simple checks during the viewing can help avoid costly surprises later.
What is a property chain?
A property chain refers to a sequence of linked house purchases, where each sale depends on another. For example, a seller may be waiting to buy their next home before they can move out. First-time buyers are ‘chain-free’, which can make them attractive to sellers because there’s less risk of delays or complications.
What paperwork is required when buying a home?
You’ll need:
- Proof of ID and address
- Bank statements and proof of income
- Mortgage agreement in principle
- Proof of deposit
- Completed application forms and have signed the contract
Can I afford a house as a first-time buyer?
This depends on your income, deposit and existing debts. A mortgage advisor or building society will guide you based on current lending rates and your financial situation. The key factor is in both upfront costs and ongoing repayments.
What is a note of interest?
A note of interest is a formal notification submitted by a solicitor. It indicates your interest in a property and desire to be informed of any developments, such as the setting of a closing date for offers. While not legally binding, it ensures you’re kept informed and provides an opportunity to make an offer before the property is sold to someone else.
Don’t let confusion and legal jargon stand in the way of buying a property. Follow our easy-to-understand guide on the first-time home buying process.
Useful Links
We’ve curated resources to help you understand key costs, explore related services, and move forward with confidence:
- What is a home report?
- Do I need a solicitor to buy a house in Scotland?
- Buying a house checklist
- How to buy a house in Scotland
- What is conveyancing?
- I want to buy a house in Scotland: What do I need to know?
- It’s a seller’s market – how do I make myself an attractive buyer?
- Do I need to send a cover letter when making an offer on a property?
Enter the property market with confidence. Watermans provides straightforward first-time buyer help in Scotland.
Watermans: Helping First-Time Buyers Climb the Property Ladder
At Watermans, we don’t just explain the buying process, we guide you through it with confidence. We’ve been helping clients navigate the Scottish legal system for years. Our reputation is built on trust, efficiency and transparency.
With offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee, we offer local expertise backed by national reach. Providing tailored legal support for clients across Scotland. We offer:
- Transparent pricing and no hidden costs
- Fast, efficient service from an educated conveyancing team
- Expertise in the Scottish house market
- In-house support for estate agency, valuations and beyond
- Open communication with buyers, sellers, and solicitors.
Whether you need help understanding buyer requirements or need a solicitor you can trust, we’re here for you.
Our legal work extends beyond first-time buying. We also offer legal services for:
- Personal injury claims
- Wills, trusts & succession planning
- Inheritance tax
- Power of attorney
- Commercial conveyancing
- Selling property
- Buying property
- Remortgaging
- Transfer of title
- Your digital legacy
Turn your dreams into reality with our first-time buyer guide in Scotland. Contact us today to get started.