Buying in Scotland - when to start looking

bitsandpieces

I can't buy right now due to my work situation, but I'm hoping to be in a position to buy within the next couple of months (though these things are never guaranteed...) I'd be looking in Scotland, but have never bought up here before. I'm renting now, though will only need a small mortgage (so, hopefully, won't be too painful to arrange!) When does it make sense to start viewing places? There have been a few nice-looking places come on the market over the past couple of weeks, but I don't want to just waste time/annoy people by looking too early!

This looks like a reasonable guide to buying in Scotland http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/scotland/housing_s/housing_buying_and_selling_s/buying_a_home_scotland.htm Is it? And any other good idiot's guides for me to look at?

Ransoman

From my experience, most estate agents won't let you view unless you have a mortgage agreed in principle. This was always the first question i was asked on every property i viewed.

beecher2

I think it is too early to start viewing, but you can certainly start researching.

http://scotland.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/advice_topics/finding_a_place_to_live/buying_a_home
is quite good

You can find out a lot about properties on the market without physically visiting them so start downloading home reports of properties you might be interested in, and see what you think.

Also research house prices using ourproperty.co.uk and install property bee to see how long properties have been on the market, and track their pricing.

Then, sort out a solicitor and go and see a mortgage broker so as you are up and ready to go.

Good luck

googler

Ransoman wrote: »

From my experience, most estate agents won't let you view unless you have a mortgage agreed in principle. This was always the first question i was asked on every property i viewed.

The question doesn't come up in many parts of Scotland, as it's common for owners to do their own, open viewings where a time slot is advertised (Thurs 6-8pm, Sun 2-4pm) and viewers can turn up within those times, bypassing the selling agent altogether.

googler

OP needs to hire a solicitor, ideally one in the area in which he/she will be buying, so that when they find something they like, they can act quickly.

Hire solicitor, get mort agreement in principle (solicitor is unlikely to tender an offer on your behalf without seeing proof you can afford the house), and go looking.

googler

bitsandpieces wrote: »

This looks like a reasonable guide to buying in Scotland http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/scotland/housing_s/housing_buying_and_selling_s/buying_a_home_scotland.htm Is it? And any other good idiot's guides for me to look at?

This looks up to date and accurate, from a quick skim-read