Buying a property in Scotland?
When you have 'found the one' What happens next?
Found the One in Scotland: What Happens After Your Offer Is Accepted
After weeks (or even months) of searching, scrolling through listings, and attending viewings, you have finally found the perfect home. The moment you stepped inside, you knew it ticked all the boxes—charming character, the right location, and that elusive “this is it” feeling. So we took the next big step: making an offer. And… it was accepted!
But what now? If you’re buying a property in Scotland, you’ll quickly learn the process is a bit different from the rest of the UK. Here’s a step-by-step guide to what happens next once your offer is accepted.
1. Offer Through a Solicitor or Verbally in the First Instance
Offers are made either verbally or formally through your solicitor. By the time you're ready to make an offer, you should already have a solicitor (or conveyancer) lined up. They will submit your offer in writing, you can offer verbally initially or ask your solicitor to submit an offer on your behalf, normally this does not cost anything until the offer is accepted, if you are unsure what to offer, a chat with a solicitor can be very helpful, you can always start at a figure and increase if needed. If you would like further information or any advice, please give us a call. Once the seller accepts your offer, the sale becomes secure, viewings will be cancelled and there will be no further viewings booked in on the property.
2. Concluding the Missives
The “missives” are a series of letters exchanged between your solicitor and the seller’s, which make up the legally binding contract of sale. These cover everything from the price to the date of entry (completion), and any other terms agreed. The process can take a few weeks while both sides agree on the details and they await the full mortgage approval from your lender.
Once the missives are concluded, the contract is binding. At this point, neither party can pull out without facing legal and financial consequences.
3. Mortgage Finalisation and Survey
If you're using a mortgage, now’s the time to finalise it. You may already have an agreement in principle, your solicitor and lender will be provided with a copy of the home report which they will browse through and highlight any points that give them cause for concern. The seller is required to provide a Home Report before the property is listed. This includes a survey, valuation, an energy report, and a property questionnaire. Review this carefully before making your offer and ask the agent or your solicitor if there is anything that you are unsure about.
4. Title Checks and Searches
Your solicitor will carry out legal checks on the property’s title, local authority records, and other important documents to ensure everything is in order. This is a crucial step to make sure there are no surprises with ownership, boundaries, or planning permissions.
5. Completion (Date of Entry)
Once everything is agreed and the mortgage is in place, you’ll pay the purchase funds ( through your solicitor) on the agreed date of entry. Once all the funds are cleared on the date of entry, that’s when you will receive the keys and officially become the owner of your new home.
Final Thoughts
Buying a home in Scotland is generally seen as more straightforward and secure once your offer is accepted. With the help of a good solicitor, great selling agent and clear communication, the process can move smoothly. It’s a thrilling moment when you finally open the door to your new place—especially knowing it’s all yours.
Thinking of buying in Scotland? Have you made your offer yet?