Conveyancing solicitors
Our experienced team of conveyancing solicitors are here to handle all the legal aspects of buying or selling a property for you.
Overview
Conveyancing solicitors in Scotland
As specialist conveyancing practitioners, who deal with the purchase and sale of property day in and day out, we understand that you are not just buying a house, but are perhaps buying your dream home.
Subject to your instructions we will negotiate the missive, or purchase contract. We will forward to you copies of all of the contractual stages of the missive and will keep you advised of all progress made in the conclusion of same.
On your behalf, we will:
- Examine the title deeds to your property.
- Provide you with a copy of these for your own information.
- Raise any relevant observations on the title with the seller’s solicitors to ensure that you receive a valid title to the property you are purchasing.
- Ensure that there are no matters contained with the titles which could materially adversely affect your interest in the property. This will guarantee that you encounter no difficulties when you come to sell the property later.
- After settlement, a full statement laying out all financial aspects of the transaction will be sent to you and we will attend to the registration of your title and any loan documents in favour of your lender.
As soon as the Land Register has returned your title documents to us, we will forward to you a copy of your title and the principal documents, where you have a mortgage, to your lender for their safekeeping, if required by them.
We have helped thousands of satisfied clients move in the last year, to all sizes of property. Each client is equally important to us, no matter the purchase or sale price.
Key contacts
THE TEAM
Understanding the Conveyancing Process
The residential conveyancing process is a pivotal aspect of property transactions, be it selling or purchasing a property. At its core, this process encompasses the transfer of legal title of property from one person to another.
- Instructing a solicitor: the initial step in the property transaction process typically involves seeking the expertise of a residential conveyancing solicitor or a property lawyer. These professionals possess the specialised knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the legal complexities of buying or selling a property.
- Pre-contractual phase: here, preliminary checks and searches are made, and inquiries posed to the seller. It’s during this stage that potential buyers might receive a home report, detailing the property’s condition.
- Draft contract review: once preliminary checks are complete, both parties review a draft contract, clarifying and adjusting the terms of the sale.
- Exchange of contracts: this stage solidifies the buyer’s intent to purchase and the seller’s intent to sell. Both parties are legally bound once contracts are exchanged.
- Completion: This is the final step, where property ownership officially transfers. Once concluded, the buyer can take possession of the property.
Engaging with a skilled conveyancing solicitor ensures a seamless transition through these stages.
Understanding Conveyancing costs
Navigating the financial aspect of conveyancing is just as crucial as understanding the process itself. Here, we’ll break down the costs associated with conveyancing transactions.
Residential Conveyancing fees
Conveyancing fees generally cover the charges for the legal services provided by the solicitor or property lawyer during the transaction. These might include:
- Legal service fees: payment for the primary service of the conveyancing solicitor. Note that Harper Macleod can offer a fixed fee package depending on your circumstances.
- Search fees: these are costs associated with local authority searches, water and drainage searches, etc.
- Additional costs: can include fees for handling leasehold properties, additional correspondence, or unforeseen complexities during the transaction.
Legal Fees vs. Land and Buildings Transaction Tax
Legal fees and stamp duty land tax (SDLT) are two significant costs in a property transaction, but they serve different purposes:
- Legal fees: These are payments made to property solicitors or conveyancing lawyers for their services during the conveyancing process.
- Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT): LBTT is a tax payable on property purchases, varying depending on the property’s price, its location, and whether it’s your primary residence or an additional property.
Collaboration between Estate Agents and Property Solicitors
Estate agents and property solicitors play connected roles in the property transaction process:
- Estate Agents: Primarily involved in marketing properties and liaising between buyers and sellers. Their expertise aids potential buyers in finding the best deal and sellers in getting the best price.
- Conveyancing Solicitors: Solicitors handle the legal aspects of the transaction, ensuring that all paperwork, checks, and legal formalities are correctly completed.
“My experience with Harper Macleod for the purchase of my new home was excellent, and I am delighted with the service I received. I would highly recommend Harper Macleod to anyone seeking conveyancing services.”
“Janna Macdonald provided an excellent level of service throughout my recent conveyancing process. I can recommend her, and Harper Macleod, without reservation.”
“Andrea Ross gets a special mention for handling our property conveyancing and has been so helpful, proactive, and efficient throughout. Having dealt with property transactions for many years with so many solicitors out there, we recommend HM for any such transactions in Scotland. Superb service and great team members.”
“We were very impressed with Harper Macleod who handled the purchase of a property for us. Having bought and sold a number of properties in the last 12 years, this was head and shoulders above all the previous solicitors. Everything moved very smoothly and we have to commend Janna for her communication skills which explained every step so clearly.”
“We recently used Harper Macleod for conveyancing when moving house. Karen Lang and her team were absolutely fantastic from start to finish. Karen is organised, efficient, easily contactable and has great attention to detail. Verbal and written communication was excellent. Thank you for helping us buy our home and for reducing the stress involved in moving.”
“Stress-free and professional estate agency and conveyancing. Karen, Susan and their teams at the Elgin office handled all aspects of the house marketing, sale and conveyancing, swiftly, professionally, without fuss and offering value for money. The house sold in the 1st week! It’s been a delight to work with Harper Macleod, as we have done , and will continue to do, with other departments and offices across Scotland. Strongly recommended.”
“I used Harper Macleod in Elgin to help me get a confirmation for my late Father’s estate. They also helped me with the conveyancing of the property. Everything went like clockwork and Shannon was very efficient and professional. Very reasonably priced too. Highly recommended.”
“Had a very good experience with Harper Macleod in a conveyancing matter with some complicated cross border implications – previous solicitor had dropped out very last minute due to a lack of experience with cross border purchases. Nicola was fantastic at communicating and ensuring the purchase went smoothly. Could not recommend more.”
“Will Davidson was an excellent support from start to finish. Would highly recommend for all conveyancing needs.”
“Andrea Ross provided a first class conveyancing service.”
“I had a very positive experience working with Andrea Ross. She very professionally and efficiently completed my home purchase. I was in the new cottage in just over one month with all of my questions answered and my mind at ease. I would not hesitate to recommend Harper Macleod and Andrea Ross.”
“Andrea has been extremely helpful with assisting us in purchasing our first home. No request was too big for her to come back with an answer or a plan. Everything was dealt with in a very timely manner and when issues arose Andrea ensured that things were investigated and resolved appropriately. We’d highly recommend Harper Macleod to anyone in need of legal services.”
“Harper Macleod have been outstanding in dealing with our purchase. They are super reliable and gave us peace of mind when we were relocating from Lancashire to Aberdeenshire. Susan Shand, who took responsibility for our conveyancing, is a pleasure to deal with and we wouldn’t hesitate to use this company again.”
“Super conveyancing service from this highly organised and communicative company. Their service was superb and we cannot praise them high enough. They made our the buying of our cottage so much easier than we imagined, and always with a super friendly approach. Special mention to Janna Macdonald, who not only knew her stuff, but was totally amazing throughout the whole process.”
“I have nothing but praise for the way everything was handled. It is a rare treat nowadays to work with people that do what they say they are going to do, call you back when they say they will and generally work in such a professional manner.”
“Service was excellent – very personalised and professional. No recommendations for improvement – would highly recommend Harper Macleod.”
“Thank you to Michelle McPherson of Harper Macleod who dealt with the conveyancing of our property sale. Michelle carefully explained the process of selling a house in Scotland, was always available at the end of the phone line, finished the work time sticking to the original quote.”
“Professional service 10/10. Michelle kept me updated throughout and went above and beyond expectation to help the conveyancing process go smoothly.”
CONTACT US
Call us for free on 0330 159 5555 or complete our online form below to submit your enquiry or arrange a call back.