News & Legal Updates

So, there you are, in the middle of buying (or selling) a property – but oh no, there’s a problem that is not easily fixed. Your solicitor suggests that you proceed with Title Insurance (or a Title Indemnity Policy, as it is sometimes called). It’s almost like magic – problem solved!

There is no doubt that the Aberdeen housing market is showing steady signs of recovery in certain areas. The middle and high-end market is seeing increasing growth with the middle market in particular where quite often demand is greater than supply.

With the recent decision by the Bank of England to raise their base interest rate to 1%, the highest rate it has been for 13 years, it will be interesting to see the impact this has on the property market as a whole, especially within Scotland.

There’s a first time for everything in life; passing your driving test, travelling abroad or dipping your salty fries in a sweet vanilla milkshake (sounds disgusting, I know, but you are missing out if you haven’t tried this heavenly combination). However, the biggest “first time” for many people may be purchasing their first home. Gone are the days of getting your parents to call the doctor for you or having your dinner made every night; Welcome to the world of “adulting”. It is both exciting and terrifying and while I may not be able to help you with the other two examples I just mentioned, I can guide you through the process of buying your very first home and hopefully make the experience a little less scary.

It has been announced this week that Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, is seeking to ban non-Canada-based persons and companies from buying homes in Canada.  Currently it is mooted that the ban will be in place for 2 years, initially then reviewed thereafter.  The reasoning for this move is to allow Canadians, who have been … Continue reading "The Canadian Model: banning foreign buyers from the market – Something that Scotland should consider?"

As you may or may not be aware as of the 1st February 2022 there is a new law in Scotland that requires every household to have an interlinked smoke alarm system. The legislation has come about following the Grenfell disaster in 2019 but due to the pandemic enforcement was delayed until now. Under the … Continue reading "Ring the Alarm: A change to Fire Alarm Regulations in Scotland"

The average house purchase price in Scotland in 2021 was £207,778, with buyers having to put down an average deposit of £35,000, and for first time buyers, an average deposit of £57,278. More so, Halifax reported a 23% increase in the average deposits of first-time buyers from £46,449 (2019) to £57,278 (2020). To visualise this … Continue reading "Gifted Deposits"

It is the time of year when we tend to look back on the previous twelve months and also look ahead to consider what the new year may have in store for us. A reflection on 2021 In 2021, the residential property market in Scotland was booming.  The most recent UK House Price Index figures … Continue reading "A reflection on 2021 & A look forward to 2022"

How many family stories start with “when sitting around the table” or “when sitting on the sofa”? Most home memories are engrained into the inanimate objects that decorate our homes.  Indeed, without our possessions, a home is not a home. Is it any wonder that one of the most common questions I am asked, regardless if someone is buying or selling is “what can I take” or “what is being left?

With the recent easing of Covid-19 restrictions in Scotland, landlords are now able to raise proceedings at the First Tier Tribunal for an eviction order i.e. to remove their tenant from the property. However, certain protections remain in place for tenants. In order to raise proceedings, the landlord must first serve notice to leave on … Continue reading "Landlords serving notice: I reserve the right to change my mind. Or do I?"