What's the norm for sol fees in Scotland?

bitsandpieces

I'm looking to buy a property at the moment, and I've e-mailed a few solicitors for quotes. I'll be looking at places around the £150-170k mark. The first quote I've had back was £1200 (+VAT, + fees to register the property) for a £150k property. Is this normal up here? Been a while since I bought in England, but sol fees to buy were a lot lower there...

Of course, I'll be getting more quotes back in due course. This is the just the first person to respond.

googler

I would have thought nearer £900 - £1000, plus Stamp Duty of £1500....

Ask a few more. Bear in mind you ideally want a solicitor who's active in the area you're looking to buy in.

bitsandpieces

Thanks - so £900-£1000, before registration fees (and stamp duty)?

I am looking for solicitors based in the city I'm buying in. I'm trying to avoid the few larger sol companies which have most of the properties I'm interested in, though, to reduce the odds of my sol also being the seller's. Does doing this make sense?

googler

bitsandpieces wrote: »

Thanks - so £900-£1000, before registration fees (and stamp duty)?

I am looking for solicitors based in the city I'm buying in. I'm trying to avoid the few larger sol companies which have most of the properties I'm interested in, though, to reduce the odds of my sol also being the seller's. Does doing this make sense?

No, I would have thought £900 - £1000 all in, plus the SD, but it may differ wherever you are, so get some more quotes.

Yes, you should be using a solicitor who isn't selling the property or properties you're interested in.

PrincesaGuerrera

I'm in Glasgow and I'm (hopefully) paying £370 + Vat + land reg. Property only £50k tho. Haven't got any further than having the offer accepted but met solicitor and feel happy so far. Found them on reallymoving.com

bitsandpieces

Thought I should update - asking for quotes from the firms on the local SPC got me some quotes for fees in the £500-700 mark. The cheapest firm didn't inspire confidence, but went with a firm charging well under the £1200 I was quoted. Thanks for the advice - when I buy, I'm likely to say around £600 by virtue of having shopped around :T

Sunshine101

I know its been nosy asking you these questions. But I have had dealings with property solicitors in various areas of Scotland, so I maybe able to give you the heads up for one, if I know what city your property is in.

Secondly, if it you intend to purchase an old sandstone building in Edinburgh - be warned, there is no sandstone in the area to repair the properties. The sandstone is coming from outwith Edinburgh and its not the exact sandstone as the original properties, which isn't good for the original sandstone property. There was talk that they may have to consider ripping up one of the shopping centres to access the sandstone in Edinburgh, so they can repair the old sandstone buildings....

Good luck with your purchase.