Edinburgh Property
FAQs

Yes. In Scotland, conveyancing must be carried out by a solicitor (or licensed conveyancer). Your solicitor also submits notes of interest and formal offers on your behalf.

A Home Report is a pack of documents that sellers in Scotland must provide to prospective buyers. It includes a Single Survey (condition report), an Energy Performance Certificate, and a Property Questionnaire completed by the seller.

Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) is the Scottish equivalent of Stamp Duty. It is a banded tax paid by the buyer. First-time buyers receive relief on the first £175,000. An Additional Dwelling Supplement (8%) applies to second homes and buy-to-let purchases.

When there is high demand for a property, the seller's solicitor may set a closing date — a fixed deadline for written offers. Offers are submitted sealed and the seller selects the most attractive, which isn't necessarily the highest price.

From accepted offer to entry (the Scottish equivalent of completion) typically takes 6–12 weeks, depending on when missives are concluded and mortgage arrangements are in place.

Yes. In Scotland, you must commission a Home Report before marketing your property. The cost is typically £300–£700 and covers a survey, Energy Performance Certificate and Property Questionnaire.

Sean will visit your property and provide a market appraisal based on comparable recent sales, current demand, and the specific features of your home. In Scotland, properties are typically marketed at "offers over" a guide price.

This varies considerably by property type, location and market conditions. In a healthy Edinburgh market, well-priced properties typically receive offers within 2–6 weeks of going live.

We provide professional photography, listing on Rightmove, Zoopla and ESPC, social media marketing, a For Sale board, and accompanied viewings 7 days a week.

Since December 2017, most private tenancies in Scotland are Private Residential Tenancies (PRTs). These are open-ended — there is no fixed end date, giving tenants greater security. A landlord can only end a tenancy on specific legal grounds.

Security deposits in Scotland are capped at a maximum of two months' rent. Your deposit must be registered in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme within 30 working days of the tenancy start.

Yes, but they must give you at least 3 months' written notice of any rent increase. You have the right to challenge an increase you believe is above market rate by referring it to a Rent Officer.

Your landlord has a legal obligation under the Repairing Standard to keep the property in a reasonable state of repair. Report repairs in writing and keep a record. If unresolved, you can apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber).

Yes. Every private landlord in Scotland must register with their local council before letting property. Landlord Registration is a legal requirement — letting without being registered is a criminal offence.

No, you can manage your property privately. However, letting agents in Scotland must be registered on the Scottish Letting Agent Register (LARN), carry out training, and follow a statutory Code of Practice. Edinburgh Property Experts is registered: LARN2503005.

If you buy a residential property in Scotland and already own another, you pay an Additional Dwelling Supplement (ADS) of 8% on the entire purchase price on top of standard LBTT rates.

Yes — one of the legal grounds for ending a Private Residential Tenancy is that the landlord intends to sell. You must give at least 3 months' notice (or 6 months if the tenant has lived there 6+ months). The tenant can challenge this if they believe the reason is not genuine.

Call 0131 510 0215, email sean.mcmahon@thepropertyexperts.co.uk, or use the contact form on this website. Sean is available 7 days a week.

We cover Edinburgh and surrounding areas, with particular expertise in Leith EH6, New Town, Stockbridge, Morningside, The Grange, Portobello, Abbeyhill, South Queensferry, East Craigs and Musselburgh.

Yes. Edinburgh Property Experts is registered on the Scottish Letting Agent Register (LARN2503005). We operate within the statutory Letting Agent Code of Practice and hold appropriate insurance.