Category: Property Guides

The process of selling property in Scotland isn’t always as straightforward as it might seem. Most property sellers in Scotland will make one of the following 5 common mistakes. Here’s how to avoid them! 1. Believing the Estate Agent’s Valuation is the Most Important Thing Estate agents may overvalue your property to get your business.…

Everyone wants the best education for their children. Finding a home in the catchment area of one of the better schools is a priority for many parents and, as a result, properties in these areas tend to attract a premium. According to recent research from the Bank of Scotland, buyers need to pay an average…

Contrary to popular belief, winter can be a great time to sell property in Scotland! While spring and summer are usually the busiest times to market your home, it’s not always the best time to sell. Smart sellers will consider selling when demand is high but supply is low. Why Winter is a Good Time…

The country is divided on Brexit, so too are opinions regarding Brexit’s impact on the property market. There are clearly differences in property market trends across the country, but can this be attributed to the uncertainty over Brexit or other factors? With Brexit negotiations reaching the sharp end, we take a look at the impact…

The Additional Dwelling Supplement (ADS) tax that might apply to a property purchase in Scotland is a complicated area and one that can be difficult to understand. It is often payable in addition to Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) which replaced Stamp Duty in Scotland in 2015. However, there are situations where ADS is…

On 2 August 2018, the Bank of England raised the interest rate for only the second time in a decade. Interest rates have increased from 0.5% to 0.75%, the highest the rate has been since March 2009. But how will this affect you and what does it mean for the property market? Variable or Tracker…

New tax relief for first-time property buyers came into effect in Scotland from 30 June 2018. The threshold for Land and Buildings Transaction Tax ( LBTT) (the Scottish version of Stamp Duty) is now £175,000 rather than £145,000. However, first-time buyers of properties over £175,000 also benefit from the relief. LBTT Savings – Examples Here’s…

You have made an Offer on a property and it has been accepted – congratulations! However, there is still quite a long way to go until you can pick up the keys to your new home or investment! Here is some guidance about what happens before, on and after your Date of Entry (often known…