Category: Property Guides

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…

Summer is a fantastic time to market a property and making the most of outdoor space can certainly help boost a property’s value. Interest in properties with outdoor space increases in summer as we look forward to balmy evenings and barbecues in the garden. Whether your property offers a substantial sized garden or a small…

The importance of professional photography in property marketing should never be underestimated.  A good image can take just a few moments to capture, but it creates a lasting impression and is one of the most effective ways of conveying a property’s value and desirability.  The photos have to grab people, make them want to read…

There are many reasons why people choose to move home. For some it’s because they have a baby on the way. Maybe they need more space, maybe they crave a garden or maybe they want to get their child into a good state school. It’s very difficult to find a reliable figure of how much…