Timeline for buying a home

[Deleted User]

Hello,

I am a FTB who will be offering on a home next week. My rental situation is somewhat uncertain and I'm considering my options in the interim, should I be successful. I wondered if you could give me an idea of how long it takes to buy a home, from offer accepted to moving in (I understand this is like asking 'how long is a piece of string?' but a rough idea would be much appreciated). Also, after how long do you hand over the deposit and pay legal fees etc.? Not sure if it makes a difference to the process, but I am in Scotland. 

Thank you!

Adam16

You usually pay £250ish on account at the start for legal costs. 

Rough timescales for the average freehold purchase is 16-20 weeks. 

Leasehold could take longer. 

It al depends on how long the chain is, how good your solicitor is, etc. 

hazyjo

Scotland makes a huge difference. Should be much quicker (obviously there are exceptions), plus leasehold isn't really a thing, so that's irrelevant too.

Your solicitor will advise.

No idea what's needed up front in Scotland.

user1977

As above, typically substantially faster than England or Wales - no waiting for surveys, no waiting for searches, everybody a bit more motivated to get the job done. Your mortgage application is likely to be the most tedious bit of it. You don't usually pay anything to the solicitor until right at the end.

[Deleted User]

Thank you all! There is no chain on either side, so I imagine this will speed the process up somewhat, although the seller has particular requests regarding putting off entry date to take his son out of the local school. Hopefully this will coincide with the lengthy mortgage process...