Your Next Chapter
Starts at Home.
Residential property solicitors helping you navigate buying, selling and moving home in Scotland.
Whether you are purchasing your first home, selling a property or preparing for your next move, property transactions involve important legal and financial decisions.
At LB & Co Solicitors, we aim to provide clear guidance and practical support throughout the conveyancing process, helping you understand what happens at each stage.
More Than a Transaction.
It’s Your Home.
Buying or selling a home is often one of the most significant financial decisions you will make. Having clear legal guidance can help you understand your obligations, manage the documentation and prepare for settlement.
Residential conveyancing in Scotland follows a particular legal process, including the negotiation and conclusion of missives, examination of title and transfer of ownership.
Our approach focuses on explaining the process clearly, keeping you informed and helping you make confident decisions about your property transaction.
Supporting Every
Stage of Your Move.
From your first purchase to your next property transaction, we can discuss the legal work involved and the steps required.
01 / BUYING
Buying a Property
Legal guidance on purchasing residential property in Scotland, including offers, missives, title examination and settlement.
02 / SELLING
Selling Your Home
Assistance with the legal stages of a property sale, including contractual documentation, title matters and completion.
03 / FIRST HOME
First-Time Buyers
Clear explanations of the Scottish conveyancing process, helping first-time buyers understand the legal steps and associated costs.
04 / REMORTGAGING
Remortgaging
Legal considerations arising when changing mortgage lenders or updating the security arrangements affecting your property.
05 / OWNERSHIP
Transfer of Title
Advice on transferring ownership interests in residential property, subject to the circumstances and any mortgage requirements.
06 / INVESTMENT
Residential Investment Property
Conveyancing considerations for individuals purchasing or selling residential properties as investments.
Understanding the Process Before You Commit.
Scottish property transactions differ from those in other parts of the UK. Once missives are concluded, a binding contract normally exists between the buyer and seller.
It is therefore important to understand the terms of the purchase, the condition of the property and your financial arrangements before committing to a transaction.
01
Reviewing the Home Report
02
Understanding the offer and missives
03
Checking title and property rights
04
Arranging mortgage funding
05
Considering Land and Buildings Transaction Tax
06
Preparing for settlement and registration
Buying or Selling, We’re Here to Help.
Preparing for Your Purchase
From making an offer to receiving the keys, purchasing a property involves legal checks, contractual arrangements and financial preparation.
- Preparing and submitting an offer
- Negotiating and concluding missives
- Examining title and relevant documents
- Addressing mortgage and funding requirements
- Completing settlement and registration
Moving on to What’s Next
Selling a property requires careful handling of the legal documentation and coordination with the buyer’s solicitor and other parties.
- Reviewing title and property information
- Responding to offers and negotiating missives
- Preparing the legal documentation
- Addressing existing mortgage arrangements
- Completing settlement and transferring ownership
Your First Home.
A Significant Milestone.
Buying your first property is exciting, but the legal process can feel unfamiliar. Understanding the stages of conveyancing can make the experience easier to navigate.
We can explain the legal documentation, the significance of missives, the steps leading to settlement and the costs you should consider.
Our aim is to help you approach your first purchase with a clearer understanding of the process and your responsibilities.
Remember the Additional Costs
Alongside your deposit and purchase price, you may need to budget for:
- Solicitor’s fees
- Property registration fees
- Land and Buildings Transaction Tax, where applicable
- Mortgage-related charges
- Other transaction-specific expenses
The amounts will depend on your circumstances and the property involved.
A Clear Path
From Start to Finish.
Although each transaction is different, the following stages provide a general overview of the conveyancing process.
01
Initial Discussion
Tell us about the property, your circumstances and your proposed transaction.
02
Legal Preparation
Relevant title, contractual and supporting documentation is considered.
03
Missives & Arrangements
Contractual matters and the necessary arrangements for settlement are addressed.
04
Settlement
The transaction is completed and the relevant post-settlement steps are undertaken.
Residential Property FAQs.
Some common questions about buying and selling property in Scotland.
What does a conveyancing solicitor do?
A conveyancing solicitor handles the legal aspects of transferring property ownership. This can include preparing or reviewing contracts, examining title, dealing with mortgage-related matters and completing settlement and registration.
What are missives in Scotland?
Missives are the formal letters exchanged between solicitors that form the contract for the sale or purchase of a property. Once the missives are concluded, the contract is normally legally binding.
How long does conveyancing take in Scotland?
Timescales vary depending on the transaction, mortgage arrangements, title issues and the agreed settlement date. We can discuss the likely process once we know the details of your proposed move.
What is a Home Report?
A Home Report is generally required when marketing residential property in Scotland, subject to exceptions. It usually contains a Single Survey, an Energy Report and a Property Questionnaire.
What is Land and Buildings Transaction Tax?
Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) is a Scottish tax that may be payable when purchasing property above the applicable thresholds. The amount depends on the transaction and any relevant reliefs or supplements.
When do I receive the keys to my new home?
Keys are normally released once settlement has taken place and the relevant completion arrangements have been satisfied.
Do I need a solicitor to sell my home?
Most residential property sales in Scotland involve a solicitor to handle missives, title matters, settlement and the legal transfer of ownership.
Make Your Next Move
With Confidence.
Whether you’re buying your first home, selling a property or planning your next move, contact LB & Co Solicitors to discuss your residential property matter.