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First Steps to Selling a Property in Scotland

There are many steps to consider when you’re selling your home, and the selling process is not always intuitive. To help you start your journey on the right foot, we’ve gathered together some good first steps to selling a property.

At Drummond Miller, we understand that buying and selling a home is more than a transaction. It is often part of a much bigger life journey. Whether you are moving to a larger home, downsizing, selling a deceased estate or preparing for a new chapter, our team is here to guide you through the property services you need with care and expertise. You can learn more about our property selling services in Scotland.

 

 

Valuation

There’s little point to selling a home without knowing what it’s worth. You risk selling your home for too little or not selling it at all. You will need to get an estate agent in to value the property. You may want more than one opinion on the home value, so it’s a good idea to have a look at what the property market is like when you’re preparing to sell and what similar properties in your area have been selling for. This can help you feel confident you’re getting the best valuation, as you’ll know roughly what to expect.

Your selling agent will give you professional advice to help set a realistic selling price and will advise how competitive the market is for properties like yours; a competitive market can see potential buyers paying a sale price that exceeds the property value.

A valuation report and clear valuation advice can also help you understand your asking price, your likely marketing strategy and how your property may compare with other residential property in your area. Factors that may influence value include:

  • Location and local viewing activity

  • The condition of the property

  • Planning permissions or building warrants for alterations

  • The wider market for similar homes

 

Home Report

Once you have selected your Estate Agent, the next step is to conduct a Home Report. This is going to provide you with a list of issues in your home. These are usually minor, but if the surveyor finds any major issues you may need to make repairs, or consider that potential buyers may ask for a price reduction if they have to make major repairs themselves. 

In Scotland, the Home Report is an important part of the selling process and is usually made available to prospective buyers before they make an offer. It is designed to give buyers helpful information about the viewing of the property and the condition of the home before they commit to a property purchase.

 

Preparation

You know what they say- preparation is key. You’re going to want to make the best first impression possible to meet or exceed the valuation and impress your potential buyers. This is especially important if you’re looking to sell a home quickly. This can be the hardest step of selling your house, but it’s worth it. Make sure it’s looking its best with a good deep clean, maybe even a smart lick of paint, so that when you get your professional photography done your home has more chance of a quick sale.

It is also worth gathering any documents that may be needed later in the full legal process. This can help reduce delays once an offer has been accepted and your solicitor begins the residential conveyancing work.

 

Listing and Viewing your Home

After all your (hopefully metaphorical) blood, sweat, and tears you’ve got a show-worthy home. You’ve also managed a valuation, so now comes the good part. As well as listing your home for sale on their own website, your Estate Agent should also give you the option to list your home on property portals such as ESPC, Zoopla and RightMove to reach a large audience.

Your estate agent can arrange the viewings for you and handle all the initial interest, as well as objectively highlight key features of your home to entice prospective buyers.

At this stage, your estate agent may also advise on:

  • Marketing strategy

  • Viewing activity

  • Closing date recommendations

  • Offers received

  • Whether the property has sold for above, below or close to the asking price

For more support with marketing and selling your home, you can visit our Scottish property experts.

 

Accepting an offer

Now is the time to relish in all your hard work! You’ve done what needs to be done to get the ball rolling and all you need to do now is wait for the best offer to come in. This time can be spent organising for your new home, or simply enjoying your time while your estate agent takes care of the rest. 

Once an offer has been accepted, the legal checks and conveyancing process will begin. Your solicitor will help guide you through matters such as:

  • Title checks

  • Any issues raised in the Home Report

  • Mortgage lender requirements

  • Discharging any loan secured against the property

  • Registration dues

  • Bank transfer fees

  • Any relevant tax considerations, including Land and Buildings Transaction Tax where you are also buying a property

 

Legal support when selling a property in Scotland

There is much to consider when selling your home but we do what we can to make it as simple as possible for you. We’ll take on that headache so you don’t have to.

Our conveyancing team can support you through the legal processes involved in selling a property in Scotland, from the early checks through to settlement.

If you are thinking about selling your property and would like a no-obligation valuation we'd love to hear from you. Drummond Miller Property is here to help you at every step of the way. Contact our property team to discuss your next steps.