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Purchasing property, especially your first home is an exciting and rewarding journey. And as the local property experts in the Lanarkshire area, we want you to have a great experience from planning your purchase to moving in.
In this blog, we talk about the steps involved in buying a property, how we as estate agents can help you, and other tips to make your home purchase a successful one.
Lanarkshire has many charming towns, each offering unique living experiences. The first step to finding your dream home is to identify the best areas that align with your lifestyle and preferences. Get to know some popular areas:
Glasgow – Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow, offers a vibrant urban environment with a rich cultural scene, excellent educational institutions, and a plethora of amenities.
East Kilbride – Known for its modern infrastructure and picturesque landscapes, East Kilbride offers a mix of suburban tranquility and easy access to Glasgow’s city center.
Hamilton – A historical town with a blend of traditional charm and contemporary living, Hamilton boasts a range of housing options, from period properties to modern apartments.
Motherwell – An up-and-coming area, Motherwell provides a burgeoning real estate market with affordable yet stylish properties, making it attractive to first-time buyers.
Coatbridge – Coatbridge offers a welcoming and family-friendly environment, with modern shopping centers, bustling markets, green spaces, recreational facilities, well-regarded schools, and healthcare services. It has easy access to Glasgow and other nearby cities, making it an ideal choice for commuters seeking a quieter retreat while still enjoying the perks of urban living.
Lanarkshire’s real estate market offers a diverse range of properties to suit various preferences and budgets.
Detached Houses – Ideal for families seeking privacy and ample space, detached houses are available in both urban and suburban areas, often boasting gardens and driveways.
Semi-Detached Houses – Offering a balance between space and affordability, semi-detached houses are a popular choice for many homebuyers.
Terraced Houses – Perfect for those looking for a sense of community and urban living, terraced houses are often located close to city centers and amenities.
Apartments and Flats – Ideal for young professionals or those seeking low-maintenance living, apartments, and flats come in various sizes and styles.
Understanding the average property prices in Lanarkshire is crucial for setting a realistic budget and making informed decisions. Here are the average prices based on Zoopla at which different types of residential property were sold in the last 12 months (property sales up to April 2023). Please note there can be big variations in floor area, number of rooms, and other features of each category, these are just averages for reference. In addition, property prices may vary depending on the location, condition, and demand in the area.
Average Prices per Property Type
Detached – £278,786
Semi-detached – £166,571
Terraced – £124,953
Apartment/Flat – £88,617
Before diving into the property search process, it’s essential to define your home-buying goals clearly. This involves identifying your priorities and needs in a home and setting a realistic budget.
Start by making a list of must-have features and preferences for your future home. Consider factors such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, outdoor space, proximity to schools and workplaces, access to public transportation, and local amenities.
Next, prioritize these features to distinguish between essentials and desirable extras. This exercise will help you remain focused during your property search and make informed decisions.
Now that you have a clear idea of your priorities, it’s time to establish a realistic budget. Take into account your current financial situation, potential mortgage options, and any additional costs, such as land and buildings transaction tax and legal fees.
Creating a budget ensures that you explore properties within your financial means and helps narrow down your search.
With your home-buying goals and budget firmly established, it’s time to embark on the exciting journey of finding your dream home in Lanarkshire. This process involves various steps, including enlisting the help of estate agents, utilizing online listings and property portals, exploring open houses, and conducting property visits and inspections.
Real estate agents play a pivotal role in guiding you through the property search process. Well-established estate agencies will have their own portfolio of listings from which you might find your desired property. The agent will know these properties, the neighborhood, and their sellers well, so they can share a lot of useful information with you. Alternatively, you can let them know what particular features you are looking for and they can let you know when they come across a potential property for you.
While the estate agent represents the seller, you can still gain a lot of local knowledge, property and seller-related information, and assistance with property viewing. On top of that, you will be able to present yourself as a serious buyer which can help when you make an offer and negotiate.
You can check out Kirkland’s listings here:
In this digital age, online listings and property portals are a treasure trove of information for homebuyers. These platforms allow you to browse through a vast array of properties, filtering your search based on your requirements. Whether you are looking for affordable houses for sale in Lanarkshire or luxury properties in the best neighborhoods in the area, property portals can be a good starting point. Take advantage of these tools to shortlist properties that catch your eye before scheduling visits.
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, schedule property visits to get a feel for each home. The seller’s estate agent can give you a guided tour and be on hand to answer any questions. Inspect the property for any potential issues, such as structural problems or necessary repairs. Remember to ask for a copy of the Home Report (more on this below).
While touring properties, take the opportunity to explore the local neighborhood. Pay attention to amenities, schools, parks, and transportation links, as these factors contribute to your overall living experience.
A Home Report is a document that is required for all properties that are sold in Scotland. It is designed to provide buyers with information about the property, including its condition, value, and energy efficiency.
The Home Report consists of three parts:
Single Survey which is a report on the condition of the property, carried out by a chartered surveyor. The report will identify any defects or problems with the property, and whether they need urgent repair. This also includes a report on the value of the property, carried out by a qualified valuer.
The Property Questionnaire tackles details such as the property’s tax council band, any issues like storm or fire damage, extensions and additions, and details of any specialist work or guarantees.
The Energy Report, carried out by a qualified energy assessor, gives an energy performance certificate (EPC), which is a rating of the property’s energy efficiency.
Buyers are entitled to ask for a copy of the Home Report, and you should do so before making an offer on a property. It must be made available to you within 9 days upon request from the seller’s agent. Make sure to carefully examine this document, especially the Single Survey on necessary repairs or other property issues, before proceeding with an offer.
Once you’ve found your dream home, it’s time to make an offer through a solicitor. Crafting an offer requires a delicate balance between making a competitive proposal and ensuring it aligns with your budget and priorities. Your offer has to be reasonable in relation to the valuation and recently sold homes with similar features.
Be prepared for counter offers from the seller. Shouldering repairs, upgrades, and removing or leaving furniture and appliances can be part of the negotiation. Evaluate each counteroffer carefully and respond accordingly, keeping in mind your budget and priorities.
As the negotiations progress successfully, it’s time to focus on the final steps of the purchase process. The solicitors of both buyer and seller will review the legal documents and contracts, and complete the transaction.
The missives are a set of letters between the buyer and seller’s solicitors that set out the terms of the sale. Once the missives are concluded, the buyer’s solicitor will start the conveyancing process.
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of the property from the seller to the buyer.
It’s not a bad idea to stay connected with the estate agent who marketed the property you purchased. If you would like to sell at a later point in time, they would be well-placed to again put this property on the market for you.
At Kirkland Estate Agents we strive to provide expert advice and tailored service not just to property sellers but to those who are looking to buy as well. If you are in the market for a new home, or an investment property in the Lanarkshire area, don’t hesitate to get in touch.