If you have a quick query, you may find the answer here. If not, please feel free to email [email protected]
What are your opening hours?
Ralph Sayer is open 9am-5pm Monday to Friday.
Do you charge for submitting offers which are rejected?
No, we will continue to submit offers until you have one accepted.
My offer has been accepted - what now?
Your purchase negotiator will send you an email with a “Next Steps” document which will explain the process from here. However, at this point we await the formal Qualified Acceptance from the seller’s solicitor. We recommend you use this time to get your mortgage in place.
What websites do you advertise my property on?
We currently advertise your property on our website, social media, ESPC, Rightmove, Zoopla, Prime Location and On The Market.
What is a Home Report?
A Home Report is comprised of 3 sections:
Single Survey – a surveyor reports the condition of the property and provides a market valuationEnergy Report – gives the home an energy efficiency rating and describes the environmental impact and ways to improve thisQuestionnaire – seller completes this section with additional information such as energy supplier, factors, parking arrangements etc
Why do you need my ID?
Solicitors are regulated by the Law Society of Scotland, and must ask to see ID to comply with money laundering regulations. If we do not comply with these regulations we face severe penalties. If you refuse to provide adequate ID then we will be unable to act for you.
Why do you need 3 months’ worth of bank statements?
As part of our due diligence, we must understand how you have obtained the wealth and confirm that it is from a legitimate source. Please note that in some cases we may require more than 3 months’ worth of bank statements and/or payslips or other relevant documentation in order to satisfy internal and external Anti Money Laundering requirements. See https://www.lawscot.org.uk/media/359111/scottish-legal-firms-idv-requirements-note-to-clients.pdf for further information.
What is LBTT?
Land and Buildings Transactions Tax (LBTT) was introduced in April 2015 to replace UK Stamp Duty Land Tax. The amount payable will depend on the purchase price. Our team will provide this amount in your initial fee quote. If you would like to calculate the amount yourself, you can use this calculator https://revenue.scot/calculate-tax/calculate-property-transactions
Are there any schemes I can take advantage of as a First-Time Buyer?
You may be able to take advantage of LIFT (Low-Cost Initiative for First Time Buyers) whereby the Scottish Government will make a contribution towards your house purchase. There are currently two LIFT Schemes – Open Market Shared Equity (OMSE), and New Supply Shared Equity (NSSE). Please read more here https://www.gov.scot/policies/homeowners/low-cost-initiative-for-first-time-buyers/ or contact your mortgage broker for advice.
When do I need to close my Help to Buy or Lifetime ISA?
We advise you close your ISA around 2 weeks prior to settlement to allow us enough time to request your funds and bonus. However, do not withdraw your funds or you will not receive any bonus. Please contact your bank for more information about closing the account.
What do I need to sign?
The solicitors acting for buyer and seller sign the Missives (the contract) on your behalf. When selling, you will be required to sign the Disposition which is the document which transfers the property from your name into the name of the buyer. When purchasing, you will be required to sign a Standard Security in which you undertake to repay the mortgage, this also ensures the lender has a charge over the property.
When do I pay the fees for buying a house?
We recommend you transfer the balance of funds due around 3 days before settlement to ensure the money reaches the bank account in time and does not cause any delay to settlement
When do I get my keys?
Your solicitor will call you to confirm when your keys have been released and are ready to collect. Please note you will not be given a specific time in advance as it will depend on both solicitors having agreed that all requirements have been met and when funds clear bank accounts at either side of the transaction.
Can I use separate firms for estate agency and legal work?
It is entirely possible to use separate firms to carry out the estate agency and legal work, however it is highly recommended you keep the transaction under one roof to avoid any miscommunications and to ensure the most efficient process. In addition to property sales and purchases, we can carry out Remortgages, Transfer of Title, Will-writing, Executry work, Powers of Attorney.
