Step 1 Arranging your mortgage

Before you begin your property search, it is advisable to arrange your finances and, if required, have a mortgage agreed in principle. This will confirm how much money you will have to fund the purchase, which will ultimately influence your property search.

We can recommend a Mortgage Broker should you need.

Step 2 Register your interest

The first step to finding the right property is to register with us either by calling us on 0141 345 2010 or visiting our office where you can discuss your property requirements with one of our local agents. You can also register your interest about a specific property online if you are short of time.

If we don’t have what you require you can rest assured we’ll be in touch once we do.

Step 3 Finding the right property

Once we have a clear understanding of your requirements you will receive a selection of properties that match your criteria. We can also keep you constantly up-to-date via email and SMS alerts when the latest properties become available.

Search for a new property now!

Step 4 The key to successful viewings

Our office is open at 9-5pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Tuesday 10am-5pm. For other times, please call 0141 345 2010 where a member of our sales team will be taking calls at all times. Appointments will be arranged, convenient for viewing after work and at weekends:

Step 5 Instructing a solicitor

The successful purchase of a property can be reliant on the instruction of an efficient and experienced solicitor. It is a good idea to use a solicitor who knows the area that you’re moving to and specialises in conveyancing.

We have a selection of tried and tested solicitors that are experts in property who we would be happy to recommend.

Step 6 Making an offer

Once you have identified a suitable property please consult with your solicitor before asking them to put the offer in writing.

Step 7 Offer agreed

You will now need to instruct your solicitor to proceed with the conveyancing process and your mortgage broker to proceed with your application.

Step 8 Conveyancing

• As part of the conveyancing process your solicitor will do the following:
• Raise any enquiries on receipt of the draft contract from the seller’s solicitor
• Request their own local searches
• Agree on a date for exchange of contracts

We will assist your solicitor and negotiate throughout the process, keeping you informed every step of the way.

Step 9 Signing of missives

The completion date is then set by mutual agreement.

Step 10 Completion

Completion is when the funds are transferred from your solicitor to the seller’s solicitor’s account.

We will release the keys once the money has cleared in the seller’s account.

Congratulations, you are now the legal owner of your new home!

The following is taken from the Scottish Governments web site and should be used for reference only.

Residential property transactions – LBTT rates and bands

For residential property transactions, the rate of tax is determined by reference to percentages of the chargeable consideration for the transaction falling within the bands below:

Purchase price   LBTT rate

Up to £145,000                  0%

Above £145,000 to £250,000     2%

Above £250,000 to £325,000     5%

Above £325,000 to £750,000     10%

Over £750,000  12%

LBTT(S)A 2013 section 24 provides for the calculation and section 59(1) sets out what counts as residential property. Where a residential transaction involves any element of non-residential property LBTT(S)A 2013 section 24(4) provides that the transaction will be treated as a non-residential property transaction.

If the purchase price is above the nil rate tax band of £145,000, LBTT is charged at the appropriate rate on the amount of the chargeable consideration within the relevant bands. For example, a house bought for £280,000 is charged at:

0% for the first £145,000, then

2% for the next £105,000

5% for the next £30,000 and

so £3,600 must be paid in LBTT

Consideration genuinely attributable to moveable property is not included within chargeable consideration. Moveable property includes fixtures and fittings eg. curtains and furniture.

Non-residential property transactions – LBTT rates and bands

For non-residential property transactions, the rate of tax is determined in the same manner as for residential property transactions but by reference to different rates and bands:

Purchase price   LBTT rate

Up to £150,000                  0%

Above £150,000 to £350,000     3%

Above £350,000                 4.5%

LBTT(S)A 2013 section 24 provides for the calculation and section 59(2) sets out what counts as non-residential property. Where a non-residential transaction involves any element of residential property LBTT(S)A 2013 section 24(4) provides that the transaction will still be as a non-residential property transaction.

If the value is above the payment threshold, LBTT is charged at the appropriate rate on the amount of the chargeable consideration within that band. For example, an office bought for £465,000 is charged at:

0% for the first £150,000

3% for the next £200,000 and

then 4.5% for the remaining £115,000

so £11,175 must be paid in LBTT

LBTT(S)A 2013 schedule 2 sets out how chargeable consideration is to be determined and amongst other things non-monetary consideration is chargeable consideration.

Rates and bands have now been confirmed by the Scottish Parliament.

https://www.revenue.scot/land-buildings-transaction-tax/tax-calculator/lbtt-property-transactions-calculator

Extended? Renovated? Remortgaging? Considering selling later? Or just curious? We understand that getting an update on your home’s value can help you make better informed decisions. Get your hassle-free valuation!

An expert from HAP Sales & Lettings will come to your home to provide the most accurate valuation and explain how we would best market your home in order to get you the best possible price.

For more information, contact us or call us today on 0141 345 2010.