Commonly asked questions about selling a home in Scotland

What are the costs of selling a house?

There are different costs involved when selling a house in Scotland, including selling agent fees, additional marketing costs, getting a Home Report, property repairs and subsequent moving costs.

It’s important to take these into consideration when budgeting, particularly if you’re looking to purchase a new property, as this will help determine how much you can spend. Your selling agent will be able to explain the various costs associated with moving home.

Do you need a solicitor to sell a house in Scotland?

Yes, a solicitor is legally required to help with the settlement and title transfer process.

They will make sure you meet all the legal obligations and your rights are protected.

What's the difference between a solicitor and an estate agent? 

A solicitor deals with the legal aspects of buying and selling property in Scotland, while an estate agent markets and promotes the property on the seller's behalf. 

One of the many benefits of using an ESPC solicitor estate agent is that they are all solicitors and estate agents, meaning they can take care of the entire selling process, from marketing the property to the legal side. 

Find out more about our member solicitor estate agents.

Do you pay tax when you sell your house in Scotland?

You don’t pay tax on selling a home, but if you are buying a home you may have to pay Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT), which is Scotland’s equivalent to Stamp Duty. How much you will have to pay depends on the value of the property you are buying.

Use our LBTT calculator to get an idea of how much you will need to pay and your solicitor can offer further information and help you work out how much this is likely to cost you.

How can I sell my house fast?

Selling times for different properties and areas vary and your solicitor will be able to advise your further in this regard. If you would like to get a rough idea of selling times in your local area, use our explore areas tool or speak to an ESPC agent.

What are the steps to selling my home in Scotland?

Take a look at our handy guide which explains all of the steps of selling your home. View our selling guide.  

Can I sell my house before my mortgage is paid?

Yes, you can sell your house before paying off your mortgage as you can use the money made from a sale to pay it off.

But if you’re on a fixed term contract, you may have to pay penalties to leave earlier if you move before the end of the term, although you may also be able to port a mortgage to another property.

It is advisable to get an independent mortgage adviser or specialist to help you in this regard and work out the best option for you.

Do you need a Home Report to sell in Scotland?

Yes, in most cases it is a legal requirement to get a Home Report for a property in Scotland if it’s public knowledge the house is for sale. Your solicitor estate agent will be able to help you arrange a Home Report and explain the cost of this to you.

Should I sell my home before I buy?

Deciding whether to sell a home before you buy, or buy before you sell is tricky, and there are advantages and disadvantages to both. Your solicitor estate agent will help you navigate the buying process as well as the selling process, so you should consult with them about the best option for you.

You can also sell your home through our Unlock service. Unlock is a new way to market your property, letting you advertise your home for sale but with the added assurance that you’ve got time to find your next home and placing you in a strong buying position. Find out more.