News & Legal Updates

Since December 2017, the First Tier Tribunal Housing and Property Chamber (‘the FTT’) in Scotland has had exclusive jurisdiction to deal with applications made in relation to residential tenancies. Simultaneously, a new type of tenancy was created – the private residential tenancy. Private residential tenancies replace both short assured and assured tenancies, providing greater protection … Continue reading "8 functions of the FTT that can help Tenants and Landlords"

Whilst most home buyers move within a relatively small geographical area there is still a significant proportion who will relocate. Relocation can happen for a variety of reasons, most commonly employment but I am seeing an increasing number of homeowners relocating to be closer to family (usually the grandchildren!). Whilst the media tends to discuss … Continue reading "Relocation: a potential financial disaster"

Absolutely, it is hard to contemplate that it was around 1948 when a new road was first discussed. The new bypass, which is made up of Southern, Central and Northern Sections, has made life-changing differences to road users in and around the city. I still find it hard to believe that during what was previously … Continue reading "Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route | 10 years in the making and a billion pound spend: was it worth it?"

The majority of first-time buyers will need some sort of funding to assist with their purchase. The most common way is to take out a mortgage. Essentially, a mortgage is much the same as any other type of borrowing with the main difference being that the loan is secured against your property.  What this means … Continue reading "7 Points for first time buyers to consider when funding your new home"

We have all heard the old saying: “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Well, in Estate Agency, pictures can make a huge difference in the level of interest your property receives, which can ultimately determine how quickly your property will sell. Today’s buyers can sit in the comfort of their own home, taking their time … Continue reading "The importance of professional photos in Estate Agency"

The 4th quarter of 2018’s figures have just been released by the Aberdeen Solicitors Property Centre and there is some further good news, following on from Q3.  Sales volume is up by over 11% compared to this time, last year.  Putting this into context, it is even better news when you consider that the winter … Continue reading "ASPC Quarter 4 Housing Report – Reasons to be optimistic for 2019"

On 1st December 2018, the Home Report system in Scotland became 10 years old. I thought it would be interesting to look at the effect of the system over that period. Home Report Principles First and foremost the main principle of the home report, to provide relevant information relating to the property including condition and … Continue reading "Ten years of Home Reports"

It is a traditional thought that the property market shuts down over Christmas and New Year. Does it though? What do estate agents get up to over this so-called quiet time? Preparation is the key word I would use. Whilst a few properties will still go on the market through necessity more than anything else, … Continue reading "Tis the season to…………GET READY!"

It’s now just over two months since the spectacular opening of the V&A and what a success it has been. Thousands of visitors have come to the City creating a real buzz, this along with the many high profile concerts held in Slessor Gardens opposite, has had Dundee the talk of Scotland particularly in the … Continue reading "Has the V&A helped the property market in Dundee? "

Buying your next home can be a stressful time but first of all, you need to make sure that you have found the right property. A viewing appointment gives you the opportunity to see the property in more detail and it’s vital that you use this time wisely. Five points to consider when viewing a … Continue reading "5 things to remember when viewing a property"