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    Gillespie Macandrew is a leading Scottish law firm providing a seamless estate agency, conveyancing and legal service for individuals, families and businesses. Our staff combine excellent technical skills and considerable experience to offer a consistently high level of service for our clients.

    You can view all of our properties on our website or Instagram. Follow us at gillespie_macandrew_property for the latest properties on the market, inspiration for your home and our top tips for getting your house ready for sale.

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SELLING PROCESS
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    If you're selling your property for the first time (or haven't done so for a while) the selling process can seem daunting.

    We're here to make it as easy and seamless as possible. The first step in the process is to have your property valued. We can do this for you free of charge.

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    OUR CURRENT OFFERS
    NO UPFRONT COSTS

    Unlike many other agents who will ask you to pay fees up front, we're currently offering NO UPFRONT COSTS when you market your property with us. This means payment of the Home Report, ESPC registration and Marketing fees (including professional photography) can be deferred until the sale of your property has been completed.

    SERVICE LEVEL GUARANTEE

    We are also providing all of our clients with a unique SERVICE LEVEL GUARANTEE. We guarantee to provide you with a top class estate agency and conveyancing service when selling your property (or buying) but, if at the end of the transaction you are unhappy with any aspect of our service, then you can deduct up to 10% from the estate agency and legal fees quoted.

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    REQUEST A PRE-SALE VALUATION

    We offer a FREE no obligation Market Appraisal which includes:

    • A valuation
    • An assessment of the current market
    • Advice on buying and selling

    To arrange an appointment or to have one of our experienced valuers provide you with a free market appraisal please call us on 0131 447 4747.

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    SETTING THE ASKING PRICE

    Setting the right price for your property is a crucial aspect towards a successful sale. The price you set will more than likely be dictated by the valuation figure shown on the last page of your home report. There is no right or wrong way to set your price however; using our experience of the market we can guide you.

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    AGREEING YOUR MARKETING STRATEGY

    A well planned marketing campaign is critical in attracting the right buyer for your home. And we'll provide you with just that. We ensure you achieve the highest level of exposure for your property through:

    • Website advertising (ESPC, On the Market, Rightmove as well as through our own property site)

    • Press advertising via local publications (if requested)

    • Social media exposure

    • Use of professional photography in order to achieve the highest level of exposure for your property.


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    PREPARING YOUR PROPERTY FOR VIEWING

    First impressions count so it's important that your property is presented to the market in the best possible condition. We've outlined some areas to consider below:

    TIDY THE GARDEN AND THE OUTSIDE OF YOUR HOME

    Cut the grass, pull out any weeds, trim hedges and plant some flowers. Many potential buyers will visit the property before deciding to schedule a viewing and drive-up appeal is always helpful.

    DE-CLUTTER

    Remove any children's toys and unnecessary ornaments and show off the space of your property

    REMOVE PETS FROM THE PROPERTY

    Speak to a family member or friend to care for your pets during viewings to avoid any unnecessary distractions (or scare off potential buyers)

    CLEAN THE KITCHEN AND BATHROOM

    Clean any greasy hobs, sticky floors or crumby surfaces and ensure mirrors, tiles and bathroom suites are sparkling.

    TURN ON THE LIGHTS

    Adark and badly lit entrance hall will immediately create a negative impression. Any rooms or areas that are naturally dark can be brightened up with lamps or ceiling lights to provide a warmer and more homely atmosphere.

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    SETTING A CLOSING DATE

    If a number of potential buyers note an interest in your property you can set a "Closing Date". When you set a closing date you specify a date and time by which all potential buyers must submit their best offer. Competition is what will push the price up and setting a Closing date is the best way to generate that.

    You don't have to accept the highest offer at a Closing Date; in fact, you do not have to accept any offer. However, under the Law Society of Scotland's guidelines, if you instruct us to accept an offer we cannot then negotiate on or consider a separate offer from another potential buyer until the negotiations with the first party have fallen through.

    After accepting an offer you might decide that you want to negotiate better terms such as a longer date of entry. If this is the case, we can often discuss these terms with the buyers solicitor. Once all negotiations are complete, we'll pass the relevant documentation over to our conveyancing team (or to a solicitor of your choice) to finalise the paperwork.

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    THE CONVEYANCING PROCESS
    Conveyancing is what we call the legal process involved in both buying and selling property. Our conveyancing team help with the transfer of title and settlement of the transaction and will review all legal aspects to ensure your rights are protected during the transaction. For more information or for advice contact our conveyancing team now on 0131 447 4747
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    SETTLEMENT DAY

    Settlement is the final act of your sale or purchase transaction. Prior to that date we will require at least one set of keys from you. We will send the keys along with the signed disposition (the document that transfers ownership) as well as any other relevant documents to the buyer's solicitor in exchange for payment for the price. Payment will usually come in the form of a cheque drawn on the account of the buyer's solicitor, made out to us and paid into our account.

    Once the cheque has cleared (which now takes at least 3 working days) we will arrange to repay your mortgage and then send you the balance of the price after deduction of all outstanding fees and outlays. We'll also prepare a fee note and detailed cash account explaining how the final figures were reached.

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    REPAYING YOUR MORTGAGE(S)

    Once missives have been concluded we'll ask your Lender to provide details of the amount required to clear your mortgage account(s). We will send you a copy of their response directly and it's important that you check this figure against your own records to ensure it's correct. We will then pay the full amount required to clear your mortgage directly to your Lender from the sale price.

    You should continue to make any monthly repayments to your lender (including any payments relating to life assurance policies) until we confirm the mortgage has been repaid.

    If you are thinking of cancelling any life assurance policies then it is important to seek professional advice before doing so.

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BUYING
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    STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO BUYING
    Once you've made the decision to buy a property there's a number of important areas to consider.
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    AGREEING YOUR BUDGET

    It may seem obvious, but once you've made the decision to look for a new home knowing your financial position ahead of your search is important. Doing your homework can save you a lot of time, hassle and money later on.

    So before you begin your search, its really important to decide:

    • What your budget is
    • How much you can afford to borrow
    • How much equity you want to invest
    • How much you need to keep aside for home furnishings and decorations
    • Any reserve funds you might need for e.g a household emergency.

    You should also confirm with your Mortgage Lender that they are willing to lend you the amount required for your purchase.

    An "agreement in principle" or a "decision in principle" from a Lender is not a guarantee of a mortgage offer.

    Our residential team can put you in touch with an independent mortgage broker who can help you get everything you need in order. Contact us for more information.

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    SHOULD YOU BUY OR SELL FIRST?

    There's no right or wrong answer here. Every property transaction is different and the speed at which you sell your property may vary. In a strong market then it's not uncommon to move out of your existing home and into your new one on the same day.

    We can talk you through the pros and cons of buying first and can have one of our professional valuers assess the marketability of your existing property. Contact us to discuss this further.

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    FINDING YOUR IDEAL HOME

    Once you've agreed your budget its time to start looking for your perfect home. Before you begin your search though, be sure to have some idea on the following:

    • Location - consider the distance to your place of work, family, friends and local amenities. Would you prefer a city, semi-rural or rural location?
    • Type of property - would you prefer a flat, semi-detached, detached house or a bungalow or even a cottage?
    • Other essentials - is the property in a good catchment area, do you need childcare facilities nearby or good, quick access to public transport links?

    Creating a short list of essentials will help you in your property search.

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    FORM OF OFFER
    For property transactions in Edinburgh or Glasgow we use a standard form of offer known as the "Harthill Missive" otherwise known as a "compromise style offer" as it takes into consideration the interests of both the purchaser and the seller. We recommend using this type of offer as it is often the quickest route to concluding a contract.

    The Harthill Missive includes the following:

    • The price you wish to offer for the property
    • Your preferred date of entry
    • Any items that are to be included in the price of the property
    • Damage provision (should you not pay the agreed price on entry then the seller has the right to seek damages from you).

    At an additional cost we can create a tailored form of offer that can be weighted more in your favour however; the Harthill style is generally a more favoured approach.

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    PURCHASE BY MORE THAN ONE PARTY

    Frequently we are asked to submit an offer for a property in two or more names. We can of course take instructions from all parties however this can be cumbersome and cause unwanted delay so we would recommend that you provide written authority to one designated person to issue instructions on behalf of everyone. The instructions given will be binding on all parties.

    It's also important to consider how you wish the property title to be taken; will it be in one or two names or even more? There are various options that can have significant legal consequences but our conveyancing team can provide you with all the help and guidance you need. Contact us for more information.

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    PREPARING TO SUBMIT YOUR OFFER
    FIXED PRICE PROPERTIES

    Any property advertised at a "fixed price" means that the first written offer at that fixed price is likely to be accepted. If you see a "fixed price" property that catches your eye then you should move quickly and speak to your solicitor to avoid missing out.

    If two or more offers from different parties are submitted around the same time, then the seller could choose to set a closing date (see closing date below).

    OFFERS OVER VS OFFERS AROUND

    What's the difference? In practice we have found that there is little or no difference. Most sellers will advertise their property at "offers over" a given price and in today's market would then expect to receive offers well above that asking price. The asking price is therefore just a guide so it's important to speak to your solicitor to ensure you submit an appropriate offer.

    The level of your offer will depend on a number of things including:

    • (a) the size of your budget
    • (b) prices achieved for similar properties in the area
    • (c) the amount of interest in the property, and of course, how badly you want that particular house.
    NOTING INTEREST

    If you find the right home, contact us quickly with the address of the property and we will note your interest with the selling agents. Noting interest is cost free and we're simply advising the seller's solicitor that you're interested in submitting an offer.

    However a seller can still sell their property at anytime regardless of whether you have noted interest so it's important to remember that noting interest does not always guarantee you the opportunity to submit an offer.

    If more than one party has noted interest in a property the selling agents will usually set a "closing date" for offers. They will notify your solicitor by telephone that they're inviting all interested parties to submit an offer in writing by a certain time on a specified date.

    A seller does not have to accept the highest or "best" offer received at a closing date. If your offer is unsuccessful then due to the guidelines issued by the Law Society, we are unable to make a revised offer unless the seller's solicitor invites us to.

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    HOME REPORTS: THE KEY FACTS

    What are they, who pays for them and how can I get my hands on them?

    A Seller is required by law to provide you with a Home Report for their property. The Home Report is paid for by the Seller and is designed to ensure the potential buyer is well informed about a property before they consider submitting an offer. The Home Report comprises three sections:

    SINGLE SURVEY

    This is compiled by a Chartered Surveyor and provides detailed information on the condition of the property and issues such as accessibility. It also contains a property valuation - the price which the surveyor believes the property is worth in current market conditions.

    ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE

    This is generally carried out by the same Surveyor who undertakes the single survey and it will provide you with an assessment on the property's energy efficiency rating and environmental impact. Improvements, if appropriate, are also suggested within the report.

    PROPERTY QUESTIONNAIRE

    The seller will also complete a property questionnaire which will include information on the council tax band, any property enhancements and alterations made, car parking, responsibility for common areas and other information relating to the property (e.g. key utility providers and servicing records for heating/plumbing systems).

    If the Home Report provided to you is more than three months old you are eligible to ask the seller for a more up to date copy. Alternatively, you can still proceed with an offer under the condition that the seller provides an updated version of the report.

    Bear in mind that you are still entitled to have your own valuation or survey carried out be¬fore you make an offer, and indeed if you are borrowing a high percentage of the purchase price your Lender may insist that you instruct your own survey report.

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    CONVEYANCING: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

    Conveyancing involves the legal transfer of home ownership from the seller to the buyer. The process begins once your offer for a property is accepted and is completed when you receive the keys. Our experienced conveyancing team can help with the following:

    • Missives
    • Examination of title
    • Dealing with instructions from your lender
    MISSIVES

    Missives is the term used for the formal letters passing between solicitors during the sale process. Missives usually comprise:

    • A formal offer
    • An acceptance or qualified acceptance issued by the sellers solicitors (a qualified acceptance is a letter accepting our offer but subject to certain amendments)
    • One or more additional letters until both sides reach agreement

    If and when we receive a written letter of acceptance to your offer, we will contact you within 24-48 hours to talk you through the next steps.

    If your offer is accepted without qualification then a binding contract will exist. This is often referred to as a "concluded contract" or "concluded missives". Until you reach that stage both the buyer and the seller have the right to pull out of the deal without penalty.

    EXAMINATION OF TITLE

    We will check the legal boundaries of the property to ensure you are buying what you think you are buying and that you have necessary rights of access. Examination of title also involves the search of official records relating to the property to ensure there are no issues before the transfer of title.

    If buying a flat we will ensure that you are not burdened with unfair share of any common liabilities. We will also check various reports from outside bodies (e.g Property Enquiry Certificate) as well as reports on the title from the Registers.

    DEALING WITH INSTRUCTIONS FROM YOUR LENDER

    It's normal for your Lender to instruct us to deal with the preparation of the security documents on their behalf. We will prepare these documents and explain them in detail before asking you to sign. It's also our responsibility to prepare a report on the title of the property for your Lender.

    If you are married or in a civil partnership but the title of the property will be in your name only, then your Lender will need your partner's consent towards security documentation. Your partner may wish to have some independent legal advice before providing that consent however, consent is not required if you are separated and your partner will not occupy the property with you.

    REGISTERING YOUR TITLE

    We will take care of the title registration on your behalf. After you've paid the price, we'll submit an LBTT (Land and Building Transaction Tax) form to HMRC and register your title in the Land Register. Once registered, a Land Certificate will be issued and if you have a mortgage, we will send this to your Lender. If you don't have a mortgage, we'll safely store the Certificate in our strong room and send you a copy (unless you advise us to send the original copy to you). The registration process can often take several months (even years) before you receive a copy of the certificate, so don't panic if you haven't heard from us for a while.

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    DATE OF ENTRY

    We will pay the purchase price for the property on your behalf on the date of entry that's specified in the missives. In exchange for the payment we'll receive:

    • the signed Disposition transferring the title of the property into your name
    • the keys to your new home
    • any other relevant documentation

    This should all take place before 3pm on the date of entry however, there may be occasions where there are delays due to loan funds not arriving in our account or due to the sellers own transaction being delayed.

    Once you receive the keys it's important to the check that:

    • the Seller has left all items that were agreed and included in the purchase price
    • the central heating system is working properly

    If you come across any issues then depending on the terms of the missives, you may be able to claim against the seller but, any claim must be made immediately through your solicitor.

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    USEFUL REMINDERS & TIPS

    Land and Building Transaction Tax (LBTT) - This tax is levied on land transactions by the Government and responsibility for paying the LBTT falls on the party acquiring the interest in land. The current rates of tax are as follows:-

    PURCHASE PRICE - LBTT RATE
    • Up to £145,000 - 0%
    • Above £145,000 to £250,000 - 2%
    • Above £250,000 to £325,000 - 5%
    • Above £325,000 to £750,000 - 10%
    • Over £750,000 - 12%

    The purchaser must submit a comprehensive tax return to HMRC within 30 days of substantial completion of the transaction. Failure to submit the return on time or the giving of incorrect or incomplete information in the return will result in penalties being incurred. In most cases a return must be submitted even if no tax is payable.

    If you're unsure of your tax position or would like some advice contact us now.

    And finally, don't forget to......

    1. Take final gas and electricity readings before you leave your present property.
    2. Arrange for re-direction of your mail
    3. Notify your telephone supply company
    4. Register with a new Doctor if you are moving district.
    5. Check which school catchment areas your new home lies in
    6. Notify family and friends of your new address.
    7. Cancel insurance arrangements for the old property
    8. Switch off the water supply if your present property is be left vacant for a period of time after you have left
    9. Notify the school, your bank and your employers of your change of address/phone numbers.
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OTHER SERVICES
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    - Charities & third sector
    • Philanthropy
    • Charity administration service
    • Charity law/legal services for charities
    • Cross border charities
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    • Property finance
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    - Corporate & commercial
    • Corporate
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    - Dispute resolution
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    - Planning and environment
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    - Services for you and your family
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    • Contentious wills and trusts
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    - Tax
    • Tax return service
    • Tax planning
    • Tax disputes
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  • Team Member

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    GILLIAN WRIGHT, Partner
    Gillian is a Partner and leader of the residential conveyancing team Morningside. Gillian is a qualified solicitor dealing with a large number of residential transactions as well as providing expert advice and guidance to clients at every stage of the transaction process.
  • Team Member

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    ROBBIE HORN, Property Manager
    Robbie is Property Manager at Gillespie Macandrew and has over 10 years' of experience in estate agency and residential property. Robbie is a former professional footballer and enjoyed his time playing for Heart of Midlothian, Cowdenbeath and Forfar. In his spare time he is currently the manager of Berwick Rangers FC.
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    TESTIMONIALS
    • Introduction

      What our clients say about us...

    Testimonials from Sellers

    • Seller Testimonial

       I was very pleased with the service at Gillespie Macandrew. I was concerned about selling as I'm not resident in Edinburgh at the moment but the team were all extremely professional and guided me through every step of the selling process in a friendly and helpful manner. Their advice and estimates were fair and I received an offer on my flat within a week of viewings. Thanks everyone!

      Sarah Roe - Shandon Place, Edinburgh - December 2017
    • Seller Testimonial

      I would like to thank Gillespie Macandrew and in particular Caitlin Keegan for everything she has done in sorting out our house move. She has been an absolute star. I will definitely recommend you to all of my friends. Thank you for everything.

      Jane and Tim Clancy - Alpine Cottage, Innerleithen - September 2017
    • Seller Testimonial

      I am a repeat customer of Gillespie Macandrew and have always found them to be professional, friendly and great to deal with. Our most recent dealing was particularly pleasing, with Jennifer Kerr managing the sale of our property from start to finish. The marketing package is second to none, with brilliant online material and brochures helping to quickly generate a lot of interest in our property. Nothing was ever too much trouble for Jennifer, it was like we were her only client. This excellent service is evident across the firm, having used Gillespie Macandrew to manage the purchase of our property. Buying and selling is a stressful time, I would highly recommend using Gillespie Macandrew to alleviate some of the stress, if we ever move again we will certainly do so. Sandy McComish and Caitlin Matheson, Firrhill Drive, Edinburgh - August 2017

    Testimonials from Buyers

    • Buyer Testimonial

      Myself and Ashley would just like to say a huge Thank You to Rachel Baillie for helping us every step of the way in buying our first home. We are very grateful with all the help and guidance you have given us along the way, you have made what most people find a stressful situation a lot less stressful for us and we will be happy to use your services again in the future. 

      Adil and Ashley Ashrif , Plot 106 Wester Lea, Newtongrange - May 2017
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    Disclaimer

    The content on this Microsite has been uploaded by Gillespie MacAndrew, Edinburgh. Rightmove Group Limited makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the content, any queries should be sent directly to Gillespie MacAndrew, Edinburgh. Where properties are displayed on a page, this comprises a property advertisement. Rightmove Group Limited who operate the website Rightmove.co.uk makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the advertisement or any linked or associated information, and Rightmove has no control over the content. These property advertisements do not constitute property particulars. The information is provided and maintained by Gillespie MacAndrew, Edinburgh. Please contact the agent directly to obtain any information which may be available under the terms of The Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) Regulations 2007 or the Home Report if in relation to a residential property in Scotland and if you have any query over the content.

    *Guide Price: An indication of a seller's minimum expectation at auction and given as a “Guide Price” or a range of “Guide Prices”. This is not necessarily the figure a property will sell for and is subject to change prior to the auction.

    Reserve Price: Each auction property will be subject to a “Reserve Price” below which the property cannot be sold at auction. Normally the “Reserve Price” will be set within the range of “Guide Prices” or no more than 10% above a single “Guide Price.”

    Auction Fees: The purchase of this property may include associated fees not listed here, as it is to be sold via auction. To find out more about the fees associated with this property please call Gillespie MacAndrew, Edinburgh on +441314474747.