If you’re planning to buy a home in Scotland, one of the first questions you’re likely to ask is how long the process takes. While the exact timing can vary, Scotland’s legal and property systems are designed to offer more certainty and often move faster than elsewhere in the UK. Once contracts are in place, buyers and sellers can feel confident that the sale is secure.
Below, we break down each stage of the Scottish home buying process and explain how long each step typically takes, along with tips to help you keep things moving smoothly.
1. Finding a Property
Typical timeframe: From a few weeks to several months
The search for the right property is often the most variable stage. It depends entirely on your budget, your location, and how flexible you are with your requirements. If you are house-hunting in a popular area, properties can go under offer quickly, and sellers may set a closing date to invite competitive bids.
Being prepared can make all the difference. Having a mortgage agreement in principle and a solicitor in place allows you to act fast when you find the right home. This early groundwork can save valuable time once you are ready to make an offer.
2. Making an Offer
Typical timeframe: 1 to 2 days
When you are ready to make an offer, your solicitor will submit it in writing to the seller’s solicitor. If the seller has set a closing date, your offer must be submitted by that deadline. Otherwise, it can be considered as soon as it is received.
In Scotland, most of the survey information is already included in the Home Report, which makes it easier to submit a confident offer. You may still include conditions such as subject to mortgage or further inspection, but in most cases, offers are straightforward. Once submitted, you can usually expect a response from the seller within a day or two.
3. Concluding Missives
Typical timeframe: 2 to 6 weeks
After your offer is accepted, the legal process begins. Your solicitor and the seller’s solicitor will exchange a series of formal letters known as missives. These letters outline all the terms of the sale. Once both sides are in agreement and the missives are concluded, the contract becomes legally binding.
This stage can be completed fairly quickly, but delays are not uncommon. These delays may be caused by issues such as outstanding legal checks, unresolved conditions, or waiting for your mortgage to be fully approved. Your solicitor will keep you informed and work to resolve any issues as efficiently as possible.
4. Securing Your Mortgage
Typical timeframe: 2 to 4 weeks (often runs alongside missives)
If you already have a mortgage agreement in principle, your lender will now carry out full checks before issuing a formal mortgage offer. This includes reviewing your financial information, assessing the value of the property, and completing any internal approvals.
This process often runs in parallel with the legal work. You will not be able to conclude missives until your mortgage offer is confirmed, so it’s important to respond quickly to any requests from your lender or broker. Staying in close contact with your mortgage adviser will help keep things on track.
5. Settlement and Getting the Keys
Typical timeframe: 2 to 4 weeks after missives are concluded
Once the legal contract is finalised and your mortgage is in place, you can agree a settlement date with the seller. This is the date when the purchase funds are transferred and the keys to your new home are handed over.
Settlement is often scheduled for two to four weeks after missives are concluded, although this can be adjusted to suit both parties. During this time, you can arrange removals, notify utility providers, and prepare for the move.
Summary: How Long Does It Take to Buy in Scotland?
Here’s a typical breakdown of each stage:
| Stage | Typical Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Finding a property | From a few weeks to months |
| Making an offer | 1 to 2 days |
| Concluding missives | 2 to 6 weeks |
| Mortgage approval | 2 to 4 weeks (runs parallel) |
| Settlement and move-in | 2 to 4 weeks |
Estimated time from accepted offer to move-in: 6 to 10 weeks (This can be quicker for cash buyers or properties with no chain.)
Final Thoughts
Scotland’s home buying system offers speed and reliability, especially once the missives are concluded and the sale becomes legally binding. With a bit of preparation and a good team on your side, it is entirely possible to move into your new home within just a couple of months.
If you are thinking about buying a home in Scotland, MOV8’s experienced team of estate agents and solicitors can guide you through every step of the process. From your first viewing to picking up the keys, we are here to help.
Contact us today to get expert advice and support.
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