10 Steps
to Buying a Property

With vast knowledge and experience at our fingertips, people rely on us for thoughtful and sensible advice when they have to make major life decisions. Our business is long established and we know Edinburgh’s property market inside out. Here’s the simple ten-step plan we’ve developed for when you’re buying a home.

1Find a Solicitor

Buying a property is one of the most important decisions you’ll make, so the first thing to do is find a solicitor. It’s vital to have a company like Sturrock Armstrong & Thomson – experienced professionals you can trust.

4Note Interest

When you come across a property you like you can ask us to ‘note interest’. This lets the seller’s agent know you’re interested. It also means we’ll be kept informed about any developments, such as the setting of a closing date – and we’ll pass those details on to you.

7Make an Offer

If others are interested in the property, a closing date will be set by which everyone submits their best offer through their solicitors. If you’re the only person interested or the property is ‘Fixed Price’ you may be able to submit an offer straight away. But talk to us first – we’ll advise you on how much your offer should be. 

10 Purchase Completed

Before the date of entry we:

  • Check the Title Deeds and report on the description of the property, and any rights and/or conditions you’d be responsible for.
  • Prepare the Disposition document that transfers ownership to you.
  • Arrange the transfer of funds.

On the Date of Entry we exchange the purchase price for Title Deeds, signed Disposition and keys. Now, you’re ready to move in.

2Arrange a Loan

Before you start your search, it’s good to know how much you can borrow. We can recommend an independent mortgage advisor or mortgage lender who will calculate the figure. Now, you’re ready to look for a home.

5Secure a Home Report

We can help you get a copy of the Home Report for the property.  This includes:

  • A surveyor’s report on the home
  • An Energy Performance Certificate
  • A property questionnaire completed by the seller.

8Offer Accepted

Usually you hear within a few hours of the closing date if your offer has been accepted. If you’re successful, we receive an acceptance from the seller’s solicitor.  We’ll go over that with you.  When you’re happy, we send a formal response to the seller’s solicitor. There’s a process of exchanging these responses (“Missives”) until all terms are agreed. 

3Find a Property

There are numerous ways to find a home:

  • Through solicitors and estate agents
  • Through a property centre such as ESPC (Edinburgh Solicitors Property Centre)
  • On websites like ESPC, Rightmove, Zoopla, Prime Location
  • In the local and national press
  • Through ‘For Sale’ signs at properties.

6Arrange a Survey

As part of the process it might be necessary to get an independent report. This can be a simple mortgage valuation, a more detailed survey report, or a lengthy building survey (this is rare).

We can advise on this and instruct it for you. If a survey is needed you can make an offer ‘subject to survey’. 

9Contract Agreed

When everything has been agreed in writing, neither party can withdraw from the contract without facing a penalty.

1Find a Solicitor

Buying a property is one of the most important decisions you’ll make, so the first thing to do is find a solicitor. It’s vital to have a company like Sturrock Armstrong & Thomson – experienced professionals you can trust.

2Arrange a Loan

Before you start your search, it’s good to know how much you can borrow. We can recommend an independent mortgage advisor or mortgage lender who will calculate the figure. Now, you’re ready to look for a home.

3Find a Property

There are numerous ways to find a home:

  • Through solicitors and estate agents
  • Through a property centre such as ESPC (Edinburgh Solicitors Property Centre)
  • On websites like ESPC, Rightmove, Zoopla, Prime Location
  • In the local and national press
  • Through ‘For Sale’ signs at properties.

4Note Interest

When you come across a property you like you can ask us to ‘note interest’. This lets the seller’s agent know you’re interested. It also means we’ll be kept informed about any developments, such as the setting of a closing date – and we’ll pass those details on to you.

5Secure a Home Report

We can help you get a copy of the Home Report for the property.  This includes:

  • A surveyor’s report on the home
  • An Energy Performance Certificate
  • A property questionnaire completed by the seller.

6Arrange a Survey

As part of the process it might be necessary to get an independent report. This can be a simple mortgage valuation, a more detailed survey report, or a lengthy building survey (this is rare).

We can advise on this and instruct it for you. If a survey is needed you can make an offer ‘subject to survey’. 

7Make an Offer

If others are interested in the property, a closing date will be set by which everyone submits their best offer through their solicitors. If you’re the only person interested or the property is ‘Fixed Price’ you may be able to submit an offer straight away. But talk to us first – we’ll advise you on how much your offer should be. 

8Offer Accepted

Usually you hear within a few hours of the closing date if your offer has been accepted. If you’re successful, we receive an acceptance from the seller’s solicitor.  We’ll go over that with you.  When you’re happy, we send a formal response to the seller’s solicitor. There’s a process of exchanging these responses (“Missives”) until all terms are agreed. 

9Contract Agreed

When everything has been agreed in writing, neither party can withdraw from the contract without facing a penalty.

10 Purchase Completed

Before the date of entry we:

  • Check the Title Deeds and report on the description of the property, and any rights and/or conditions you’d be responsible for.
  • Prepare the Disposition document that transfers ownership to you.
  • Arrange the transfer of funds.

On the Date of Entry we exchange the purchase price for Title Deeds, signed Disposition and keys. Now, you’re ready to move in.

Contact us today for a no-obligation quotation or to talk to one of our solicitors.

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