Buying a home in Scotland: the process step by step

Buying in Scotland follows its own process, with Home Reports, offers through solicitors and binding missives. Here is each stage in order, with links to more detail.

1. Work out your budget

Add your deposit to the amount a lender will lend, then take off the costs of buying, including LBTT.

2. Get a mortgage in principle

A lender's agreement in principle shows how much they are likely to lend. Agents and sellers will expect you to have one before you offer.

Found a home you like? Get a free report on it before you offer.

3. Choose a solicitor

In Scotland, your solicitor submits your offer and handles the contract. Instruct one early so you can act quickly.

4. View and read the Home Report

Every property for sale should have a Home Report. Read it in full, including category ratings, and remember what it doesn't cover.

5. Note interest

Ask your solicitor to note interest so you are told if a closing date is set.

6. Make an offer

Your solicitor submits a written offer. If there is a closing date, you usually get one chance (see offers over and closing dates and the closing date checklist).

7. Conclude missives

Once your offer is accepted, solicitors exchange letters called missives to agree the terms. When missives are concluded, the contract is binding. Your mortgage offer should be in place before this.

8. Date of entry

On the agreed date of entry, your solicitor transfers the funds and you get the keys. Arrange buildings insurance in good time; your solicitor will confirm when it needs to start.

9. After you move in

Your solicitor submits the LBTT return and registers your ownership with Registers of Scotland.