Buying a property is one of the most important things that can happen in your life. It is therefore important to plan and be careful every step of the way.
If you are buying a property in Scotland, there are some things that you need to consider. Below are five tips that you need to take into account.
Plan and Budget
The first thing before you look for a property to buy is to check how much mortgage you qualify for. Scottish property prices have been going up over the years, and The Registers of Scotland reported and confirmed a 3.5% property increase for the 2015 period compared to the same period in 2014.
There are many mortgage lenders to choose from in Scotland. You can use an affordability calculator to see the maximum amount you can borrow. You do not want to overstretch yourself, so make sure you plan ahead. Take the following into consideration.
- Compare mortgage interest rates
- Compare legal fees from different solicitors
- Do you want to sell your existing property first and buy another one? Speak to your estate agent or solicitor first.
Get Advice from a Solicitor
The legal aspect of buying your property should be handled by property specialists. Choose a licensed and experienced conveyancer or solicitor to handle the transfer of the property. It is the solicitor’s job to negotiate the price, look at your contract and do the transfer.
The ‘draft contract’ from the seller will contain information such as the title deeds as well as the price. The conveyancer will also check and confirm with the Land Registry whether the property you want to buy has a valid title deed.
Choose a Reputable Estate Agent
An estate agent will help you at every stage of the way, from property searching, choosing a solicitor to signing the final deal. Estate agents are smart when it comes to negotiating and handling a property purchase.
Location and Structural Aspects of the Property
Choose a property that is conveniently located. You may want to look at aspects such as security, infrastructural developments, entertainment facilities and surrounding areas.
Search and Make an Offer
Make sure you do a thorough and detailed search for the best property that meets your budget and taste.
Remember that in Scotland offers are legally binding; once you make an offer there is no going back. When the offer is accepted, you should budget between £500 and £1,000 for the property survey. Survey fees are negotiable.
http://www.haplettings.co.uk provide a professional service for buying, leasing or renting a property in Glasgow, Scotland.
