Why You Should Use a Solicitor Estate Agent When Moving House

03 November 2021

Buying a home in Scotland is different to before the Covid-19 Pandemic, that’s why it’s so important you choose an agent you can trust.

In guidance released by the Scottish Government, they recommend anyone looking to buy or sell a property should speak to a solicitor in the first instance. Here’s some reasons why it is in your best interest to speak to a solicitor estate agent. 

1. Expert advice on the latest guidance

Solicitor estate agents are experts in the local buying and selling process and can therefore answer any questions you may have.

Due to the current climate, government guidance on buying and selling during the Covid-19 pandemic has consistently changed. Solicitor estate agents work to stay up to date with new government advice and legislation relating to the Scottish property market, making them experts in advising you on the current situation.

2. Seamless solicitor led service

You require a solicitor to buy or sell a house in Scotland. Therefore, a solicitor estate agent can help with every stage of the moving process, from marketing your property to submitting and accepting offers and concluding missives.

If you choose an estate agent, you still require a solicitor for the legal side of things, but they will come from another firm. By using a solicitor estate agent, you only have to contact one firm for the property marketing and legal side. This may help you limit contact with people outside your household and make the process less time-consuming.

Also, having a solicitor guide you through the home moving process from the beginning helps make the experience more seamless and hassle-free.

3. High standards of conduct

Solicitor estate agents are bound by the professional code of conduct issued by the Law Society. This means they meet high standards with regards to any legal aspects of the buying or selling process and are duty bound to do the absolute best for their clients. This means you can trust that they are offering you the best possible advice throughout the process.

The Law Society rules which solicitor estate agents are bound by are designed to prevent gazumping and gazundering, helping to make the process more straightforward and ensure more certainty earlier in the transaction.

Gazumping is when a property seller accepts an offer from a buyer and then indicates they wish to accept a higher offer from someone else. Gazundering is when a buyer submits an offer and has it accepted, then decides to lower their offer later in the process.

4. Local market insight 

Solicitor estate agents also benefit from having expert knowledge on the local market, with access to up-to-date sales data.

Market conditions may change from time to time due to different circumstances, a solicitor estate agent can help advise you on what to offer on a property or what offer you should accept on yours.