In depth · Property
Buying property in Edinburgh: the Scottish steps
The official steps for buying a home in Edinburgh, from mygov.scot and Revenue Scotland. It is general information, not legal or tax advice.
Updated October 2026
The Home Report
Most homes for sale in Scotland come with a Home Report, which the seller provides. Read it before you note interest (mygov.scot).
Noting interest and closing dates
If you like a home and its Home Report, your solicitor formally notes your interest with the seller. If a number of people do the same, the seller sets a closing date for offers, giving you time to arrange your finances (mygov.scot).
The missives
After an offer is accepted, the solicitors negotiate its conditions by letter; these letters are called missives. Once they are concluded and both sides agree the terms, the contract is binding, and pulling out can be very costly (mygov.scot).
Land and Buildings Transaction Tax
LBTT applies to land and buildings transactions in Scotland where a chargeable interest is acquired; Revenue Scotland publishes the rates and a calculator.
Where people live
See our property guide for the New Town and Stockbridge, the West End, Bruntsfield and Morningside, Leith and Portobello. We don’t publish prices or yields.
Questions and answers
How do offers work in Scotland?
Your solicitor notes interest and makes the offer; if several buyers are interested, the seller sets a closing date (mygov.scot).
When is a house purchase binding in Scotland?
When the missives are concluded (mygov.scot).
General information only, not legal or tax advice. Confirm every step with a Scottish solicitor.