First time buyers
Buying your first home in Edinburgh and the Lothians is a major milestone – but the Scottish property system can feel like a world of its own to navigate for the first time.
Mortgages. Loan-to-value ratios. Home Reports. Closing dates. Offers. Missives. Where to start?
If you’re not sure where to begin, that’s completely normal.
At Neilsons, we’ve been helping first time buyers navigate the Scottish purchase process for nearly 50 years. Our role is simple: to act as your trusted guide from flat or house hunting to the day you collect your keys.
You’ll deal directly with an experienced property Solicitor and a large, experienced team who keep things clear, practical and jargon free.
We’re friendly, approachable and always on hand to make sure you know exactly what’s happening – and what comes next.
A smarter way to buy your first home
The Edinburgh and the Lothians’ property market moves quickly. Successful purchases depend on key preparation.
At Neilsons, we combine nearly five decades of local legal expertise with advanced in-house case management systems and secure digital technology designed to give our clients the cutting edge.
Our systems allow us to:
- Track your transaction in real time
- Give you analytical and data-driven insight on what you could Offer
- Respond quickly to Offers and negotiations
- Manage documentation securely, and easily
- Coordinate seamlessly between all parties involved
We help your purchase progress smoothly and efficiently.
You get traditional personal service, backed by modern infrastructure at Neilsons.
Understanding what you can afford
Before submitting any Offers, we help you establish a realistic and confident budget.
During your free, no obligation first time buyer consultation with one of our Edinburgh-based Solicitors or Law Society of Scotland Accredited Paralegals, we’ll walk you through:
- Your likely mortgage borrowing capacity
- Your deposit position (including gifted deposits)
- Tactics and tips
- The full cost of buying in Scotland – including LBTT, legal fees and registration dues
We don’t just provide a basic estimate with fees and outlays shown only. We help you understand how everything fits together financially so you can move forward with clarity.
Whole of market mortgage advice through trusted advisors
Rather than limiting you to a single bank or lender, we work closely with trusted independent mortgage advisors who provide whole of market options.
This often means better choice, more competitive rates, and mortgage options tailored to your personal circumstances.
Your Solicitor coordinates directly with your advisor, creating a joined-up process that saves time and reduces stress – especially important for first time buyers.
Local knowledge that makes a real difference
Edinburgh and the Lothians has a fast moving, competitive property market, particularly when Closing Dates are involved.
Having a Solicitor who understands local values, bidding behaviour and common Home Report issues gives you a genuine advantage.
We advise on offer strategy, assess properties carefully, highlight potential risks, and guide you through every stage of the Scottish purchase and conveyancing process with confidence.
First time buyer frequently asked questions
Most lenders typically require between 5% and 15% deposit, depending on your circumstances and mortgage product.
In Edinburgh, many properties sell above Home Report value, meaning you may also need additional funds on top of your deposit. We help you understand the full financial picture during your initial consultation with Neilsons.
A Closing Date is a deadline set by the seller/seller’s agent when multiple buyers have noted interest.
All interested parties submit their best Offers by a specified time and date in a blind bidding process, and the seller then chooses which Offer to accept based on the level of the Offer and crucially any attached terms. Closing dates are common in Edinburgh and the Lothians, particularly for popular properties.
Your Neilsons Solicitor will advise you on:
- How competitive the situation may be
- Offer strategy
- Price, entry date and conditions
- How to structure your offer to give you the best chance of success
We guide you through the process clearly so you can make confident, informed decisions.
No. We do not charge for noting interest, and we do not charge legal fees for unsuccessful offers.
You only pay once you have successfully secured a property and proceeded with the purchase.
This allows first time buyers to explore opportunities, submit Offers and participate in Closing Dates without worrying about racking up legal costs along the way if unsuccessful.
Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) is payable when buying property in Scotland above certain thresholds.
First time buyers benefit from LBTT relief on the first £175,000 of the purchase price.
This means:
- You pay 0% LBTT on the first £175,000
- Standard LBTT rates then apply only to the portion above £175,000
For example, if you buy a property for £250,000, you only start paying LBTT on the £75,000 above the relief threshold – not on the full price.
During your free consultation with Neilsons, we’ll calculate exactly how much LBTT (if any) applies to your purchase and build this into your overall budget planning, so there are no surprises later.
On average, purchases take around 6-8 weeks from offer acceptance to completion, although this can vary depending on mortgage timescales and complexity.
Our in-house systems help us progress matters efficiently and keep you informed throughout.
Yes. In Scotland, Offers must be submitted by a Solicitor. We do not recommend that you ever negotiate with a seller directly. Remember, we have your best interests at heart and would act on your behalf. The sellers’ agent represents the seller.
Getting legal advice early allows us to review the Home Report, the level of interest in the property, discuss Offer strategy, explain closing dates and highlight any potential risks before you commit.
