You’ve finally got the keys to your new home, but before you crack open the flat-pack furniture or those tins of paint, here are some tips that can save you time and money further down the line.

What does my solicitor have to do?

Your Title-

We submit the documents (namely, a Disposition and a Standard Security (if you have a mortgage)) together with appropriate application forms to Registers of Scotland to register you as the new owner.  

If title to the property is already in the Land Register, the process is generally turned around quickly as most of these registrations are done electronically.  Covid brought forward real progress at Registers of Scotland in terms of electronic registration. However, if the title needs to be registered for the first time (i.e. a new-build property or Sasine register), this may take much longer.  Once Registers of Scotland complete the registration process, they issue your title (the Title Sheet) and we would forward you a copy of this once it becomes available.

Read more: What is a gifted deposit for first-time buyers?

Things to check once you gain entry to your new home: -

• Take meter readings and set up your new utility accounts. With the cost of living going through the roof, ensuring your meter readings are accurate and checking you’re on the right tariff is essential to avoid any unexpected bills further down the line. You should also contact the Council Tax office and Factor (if applicable) to set up new accounts with them.
• Ensure you transfer any Guarantees that the seller has passed to you. Especially any warranty for a New Build property such as NHBC.

We would also stress you check everything is working properly.  Some things worth checking are: the heating, drainage, hot water systems, electricity and gas.

We’d like to reassure you that in most cases everything is fine and diligent sellers leave their property in a neat and tidy manner with everything working as it should. However, this isn’t always the case and it’s worthwhile knowing your rights and contacting your solicitor as soon as possible if there are any issues.

Read more: Gifting your property to avoid care costs

What about kitchen appliances?

If kitchen appliances are being left in the property by the sellers, generally these will be left on a ‘sold as seen’ basis and are essentially second-hand goods. They therefore only have a second-hand value attached to them and no warranty is usually provided for them. 

The seller will usually state as far as they are aware everything is in working order commensurate with age and type but that’s as far as they will go. If these items are not working fully or correctly at settlement you may not be able to raise a claim with the seller.

Read more: I've paid off my mortgage, why do I need to discharge it?

In Summary:-

On entering your new property, if something significant is wrong and it exceeds the minimum claim limit, then let us know as soon as possible and we can intimate a claim on your behalf. 

If you're looking for help please contact our team. 

Most importantly enjoy your new home!