News & Legal Updates

Overview:- There are many occasions, when you may buy a property jointly, with someone else. You may be buying your first home with your partner, or more uncommonly buying with a parent, sibling or even a friend. There are many considerations to think about during this time; but one which is commonly overlooked, and undervalued, … Continue reading "Will I or won’t I? – Considerations when taking joint title to heritable property"

Prior to the Covid lockdown the property market was buoyant and activity levels were excellent. Properties were selling well throughout all sectors and we are anticipating a surge of new activity as soon as the current restrictions are lifted on the 29th of June. However, the government has introduced certain procedures that will change the … Continue reading "Property Viewing and Valuation Protocols"

Introduction Ah, the environment. A topic that is seeping into the mainstream ever more nowadays. From canned water to paper straws, it is no secret that we are consciously finding more ways to help the environment. However, we also hear a lot about waste and how it affects our health, along with the environment. From … Continue reading "What you need to know about septic tanks – because the environment is worth it!"

New build properties are appealing to buyers for many reasons. Everything is new. Maintenance should be minimal for the first few years. The home will be more energy efficient than many older properties meaning lower utility bills. A warranty may be available giving peace of mind if a fault develops. You may be able to … Continue reading "Buying from a builder (June 2020)"

People with disabilities now have additional rights to make communal areas around their home more accessible, under new regulations passed by the Scottish Parliament on 24 February 2020. The Relevant Adjustments to Common Parts (Disabled Persons) (Scotland) Regulations 2020, give disabled people the right to remove barriers to access with the support of a simple … Continue reading "Relevant Adjustments to Common Parts Regulations"

The Scottish Government has announced the introduction of another three-week lockdown effective from Thursday 7 May but there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel as they also release their suggestions on what could happen at the next phase of the pandemic lockdown. In terms of Property Services we will await the … Continue reading "Normal Practices for Buying and Selling Property have Changed for the Foreseeable Future"

Many people choose to convert their loft area as a means of obtaining more space without having to move home. This blog provides some advice on what you should be thinking about before making the decision to extend and how to ensure that the loft conversion is safe and legal. Check whether or not you … Continue reading "Loft Conversions"

One of the sectors most affected by the current COVID-19 pandemic is food and drink with premises ordered to close following government announcements made on 20th and 23rd March. Where is closed? From close of trade on 23rd March the following food and drink premises must be closed: • Restaurants; • Cafes; • Public Houses; … Continue reading "Licensed Premises and Covid-19"

The UK and Scottish Governments have introduced measures to assist businesses in Scotland to cope with the impact of COVID-19 and, in particular, they have provided for a number of rates reliefs and grants. There are also many other challenges facing business including those that affect landlords and tenants of commercial leases. Non-domestic rates The … Continue reading "Coronavirus: Commercial Property implications and advice – Part I"

You may have seen press reports recently about a dispute between the owners of two properties in Inverness.  The local authority used statutory powers to require one party to significantly reduce the height of a number of Leylandii trees which were a barrier to light and adversely affected the enjoyment of a neighbouring property.  The … Continue reading "High hedges – Property in Scotland"