Buying a Property
Smooth and Simple
We understand that buying a home is one of the most important financial and personal decisions you can make, so we aim to make the experience as smooth as possible. When you contact Stodarts, your named solicitor will guide you through the process of buying a house from start to finish. We tailor our service to suit your needs, whether you are a first time buyer, a frequent mover or a property investor adding to a buy to let portfolio.
All types of Property Acquisition
We have experience in all types of purchases, including repossessions, purchases at auction and purchases of new build properties where the processes and considerations are slightly different from that of a more standard purchase. We would recommend that you speak with one of our solicitors for advice if you are considering purchasing a property of that type.
Complete Service from Start to Finish
Your solicitor will liaise with you in order to conclude the contract of purchase (known as missives) in a form that you are happy with. You will also be provided with advice on the title deeds and any other matters which need particular attention. Your solicitor will provide you with a note of how much money you will need in order to complete your purchase, including any Land and Buildings Transaction Tax due, and how you can pay it. We will also liaise with your mortgage provider once your offer of loan has been received in order to secure receipt of any loan funds required to complete your purchase. You will be kept regularly updated by your solicitor about the progress of the transaction and any actions you need to take.
Buying Property Enquiry
• On the conveyancing panels of most high street banks
• Access to the Registers of Scotland and lender online portals
• Solicitors contactable via telephone or email
Selling a Property
Efficient and Easy
You may be selling your property for a number of reasons, such as a need to downsize, relocation, equity release or a relationship breakdown. You may also be selling for more commercial reasons such as sale of an investment property you have renovated, or sale of a rental property you no longer require. Whatever your reasons, at Stodarts we keep your requirements in mind in order to provide you with the most appropriate and efficient service.
With You Every Step of the Way
Your named solicitor will be on hand to advise you every step of the way, from receipt of the offer through to completion of the sale and redemption of any outstanding loans. You will be fully involved in the process, providing background information on the property which may be required to complete the sale. In some cases, it may become appropriate to take advice from other third party professionals, such as tax advisers or surveyors. We will let you know whether your own particular circumstances require any such input.
Seamless Liaison with Estate Agencies
Although we do not operate an estate agency department, please speak with our solicitors who will be able to recommend a suitable estate agency to you. Alternatively, once you have chosen an estate agent, simply provide them with our contact details and any offers you receive will be sent to us to progress the sale.
• Seamless liaison with Estate Agencies
• Access to Registers of Scotland online and lender portals
• On the conveyancing panel of most High Street banks
Selling Property Enquiry
Transfer of Title
Tailored Service
There are various reasons why the title to a property may need to be transferred from one party to another, or from joint names into a sole name. These include relationship breakdowns, inheritance tax planning or simply financial planning for the future. We recommend that you contact one of our solicitors for advice about this at the earliest possible stage as there are a number of factors to be considered before you instruct us to proceed.
Appropriate Advice
Your solicitor will provide you with full advice on the benefits and risks involved in any transfer of title, allowing you to make a reasoned and informed decision. You will also be advised about any measures available to protect your own interests where title to your property is transferred to someone else, or indeed where you are the party receiving the transfer of title, allowing you to proceed in the way that is right for you.
Additional Information
Where a title is transferred from one party to another, or from joint names to a sole name or vice versa, we usually cannot act for both the transferor and the transferee. This is to protect everyone involved and to avoid a conflict of interest. Instead, we will normally require one party to the transaction to be represented by a separate firm of solicitors. If you do not have a solicitor in mind, we can recommend a solicitor to do this for you.
• On the conveyancing panel of most high street banks
• Solicitors also qualified to advise on relationship breakdowns and estate planning
• Appropriate advice to achieve an outcome that is right for you
Transfer of Title Enquiry
Remortgages
Trustworthy Advice
When remortgaging your property, you will want a solicitor you can trust to ensure that your own interests are adequately protected.
When you instruct Stodarts to act in your remortgage, we will check your new offer of loan and advise you of any special conditions you need to comply with.
Complete Service – from start to finish
We will meet with you in order to explain your obligations under your new loan, and any relevant legal considerations. We will liaise with your previous lender and redeem your previous loan.
• We are on the conveyancing panels of most high street banks.
• Access to Registers of Scotland and lender online portals
• Protecting your interests
Remortgage Enquiry
Discharges
Straightforward Process
When you have repaid your mortgage in full, it is important that you also take steps to discharge the mortgage (known in Scotland as a “Standard Security”) your lenders will have your title deeds.
Experience and Expertise
Our solicitors routinely act for clients in the discharge of mortgages, whether in isolation or as part of a sale. Please contact us for a quote today.
Expedited Service
In appropriate cases, we are able to make use of the Digital Service available via the Registers of Scotland to complete this process in a faster, more efficient and cost effective way than the traditional paper service, saving you both time and money.
• Keeping you informed from start to finish
• Complimentary secure storage of title deeds after Discharge
• Access to Registers of Scotland and lender online portals
Mortgage Discharge Enquiry
Residential Leases
Protect Your Interests
Whether you are a Landlord or a Tenant, it is vital that an appropriate Tenancy Agreement is put in place prior to any occupation of a rental property. The Tenancy Agreement is a type of lease that will set out what the rights and obligations are of both the Landlord and Tenant. A well drafted lease will limit the risk of conflict.
Ending the Tenancy
The Tenancy Agreement will also set out the provisions for bringing the tenancy to an end. Our solicitors are able to assist you with the preparation and implementation of an appropriate Tenancy Agreement to suit your needs, whether you are the Landlord or the Tenant, as well as providing assistance when bringing the Tenancy to an end.
Dispute Resolution
In the event that disputes do arise, we are able to offer legal advice to either Landlords or Tenants, and take any court or tribunal action necessary including recovery of rent and eviction from the premises.