Scottish property market

Former Member

So, we're moving to Kilmarnock. It's been confirmed today and is definitely happening. I feel like we're just getting this house sorted and now we have to move again. But my partner's been offered a great job.
I need advice about estate agents, so far I've just put myself on the mailing list for these http://www.countrywidescotland.co.uk/forsaleoffice/ayr/427/ if anyone's bought/sold a house through them? I ned some more though, I just need to make sure they're good ones.
Then I need someone to explain the Scottish housing market to me, all I know about it is from watching Location, Location, location and I'm confused, lol.

Cheers

Former Member

I bought a few years back on the west coast of Scotland and went through Miller Stewart, but check out GSPC - http://www.gspc.co.uk/

Former Member

Hi,
Good luck with the move.
I don't know much about this. but see the CAB website for some info.
http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/scotland/housing_s/housing_buying_and_selling_s/buying_a_home_scotland.htm
For statistics and house price info see the rose.gov.UK wesbite.
Hope this helps.
:-)

Former Member

There is also a great FAQ on here (and the website covers Ayrshire) which informs you about the differences between buying in England and Scotland and general information.

http://www.gapinthemarket.com/faqs.asp#1

Former Member

The Scottish system is very different, so make sure you find specific Scottish info. You'll need a solicitor early on, to note interests for you and make offers. You'll also need to get your hear around the offers over system, again, the solicitor can probably give you an idea of how much above the offers over price stuff is selling for in that area. When I bought mine earlier this year it was 5-10%.

Former Member

Note that depending on the area and type of property the offers over system doesn't actually seem to be working at the moment. So offers over, guide price, offers in region of etc are all just ways of listing a rough price. Many sales still aren't ending up at sealed bids and closing dates, they are taking best offer with bit of negotiation. At least that's what I found last year on the west coast.

Former Member

Brilliant, thank everyone, that's all really useful.
I had a look at the CAB stuff and it tells you to get a home report done and then get a survey done too, what's the difference? I've been recommended these too http://www.hdg.co.uk/regions/Kilmarnock but surely I don't need a surveyor if we're just buying? We need a solicitor, don't we? Is that the same as a conveyancer?

Former Member

We're you reading CAB stuff explicitly for Scotland - if not you need to. Yes, you need a(Scottish) solicitor, they deal with most things. You should be able to get the survey and home report from the selling solicitor

Former Member

Hey they Elsie85,
This page here on the Scotland Shelter page explains the difference between a solicitor and a conveyancer.
http://scotland.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/advice_topics/finding_a_place_to_live/buying_a_home/finding_a_solicitor
Hope that helps.