Buying a home in Scotland

The property-buying process is different up in Scotland. Here's how buying a home works north of the border:

• Appoint a solicitor before you start looking for a property as the process can move quickly. Once you find a property you like, tell your solicitor to 'note interest' - this is informing the seller's solicitor that you're potentially interested in buying it.
• You'll be told the asking price and invited to make a secret bid in writing above this amount - a verbal offer isn't enough. This is called the 'offers over' system. The highest bidder will be legally obliged to buy the property.
• You must apply for a mortgage before making a bid so that you know exactly how much you can afford. You should also have a survey of the property carried out before you make a bid as the result may affect the amount you offer.
• A closing date for bids will be announced once the selling agent has been notified of all interested parties. Your solicitor will formally submit your offer and a proposed 'date of entry' (the date by which the money will be transferred and the keys received).
• If your bid is successful, you 'conclude the missives'. This is when both parties' solicitors exchange letters agreeing the date of entry and so on. Once the seller's solicitor sends you a letter of acceptance, you should insure the property.
• You then sign the title deed and receive the 'disposition document' and keys, once your funds have been transferred to the seller's solicitor.