Property Conveyancing Solicitors — Scotland

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.