At Harper Macleod, we’re proud to be an award-winning Scottish law firm providing trusted conveyancing services in Elgin and surrounding areas. As a fully integrated solicitor estate agency, we bring together expert legal services and professional estate agency support, all delivered by our experienced local team.
Our Elgin-based conveyancing solicitors combine in-depth knowledge of Scots property law with an understanding of the local market. Whether you're buying or selling a property, we’re here to manage the entire conveyancing process efficiently, keeping everything clear, simple, and as stress-free as possible. From your first enquiry through to settlement, and beyond, we’re committed to delivering a reliable, professional service tailored to your needs.
Are you ready to start your property journey?
Contact Harper Macleod today and let our expert conveyancing solicitors guide you every step of the way.
Understanding the conveyancing process
Conveyancing in Scotland is a legally distinct process compared to the rest of the UK, and understanding these differences is crucial for a smooth and legally compliant transaction. Scottish conveyancing follows a unique legal framework governed by Scots law, with key differences in how contracts (missives) are formed, the role of solicitors in submitting offers, and the earlier point at which transactions become legally binding. Ensuring you're fully informed from the outset, can help avoid misunderstandings or delays, which can have serious financial consequences.
Conveyancing solicitors handle the legal aspects of buying or selling a property. Good conveyancing lawyers should guide you through every stage with practical, jargon-free advice, helping you feel informed and supported at all times.
- Instructing a conveyancing solicitor: The first step is to appoint an experienced conveyancing solicitor who understands the complexities of residential conveyancing under Scots law. Early instruction can significantly speed up your transaction and help avoid common pitfalls, especially if there are time-sensitive issues such as a closing date or simultaneous buying and selling.
We’ll explain the likely timescales and give you a clear overview of what’s involved, allowing you to move forward with confidence. - Pre-contractual checks and legal due diligence: Before any contracts are drafted, your solicitor will carry out a series of essential checks to uncover potential legal or practical issues with the property.
- Property searches and due diligence: These include reviewing title deeds, planning permissions, access rights, drainage arrangements, boundary issues, and more.
- Identifying legal risks: Your solicitor checks for anything that could impact the property’s value or use, such as shared ownership elements, crofting rights, or unresolved repairs.
- Consulting with you: Your solicitor will raise any red flags and provide advice before negotiating or concluding any contract terms. - Drafting and negotiating contracts (missives): In Scottish conveyancing, the missives are the legally binding letters exchanged between the buyer's and seller’s solicitors. They form the backbone of the legal process and once concluded, the deal becomes final.
Our expert property lawyers will negotiate on your behalf to ensure all terms are in your best interest, and will clarify factors such as inclusions, entry dates, and any gifted deposit arrangements. We'll also liaise directly with your lender and the other party’s solicitor to keep everything progressing on schedule. - Concluding missives: Once both parties are satisfied and all conditions are met, the missives are concluded. At this point, the transaction is legally binding, and withdrawing could result in financial penalties.
Our conveyancing solicitors take the time to ensure every detail is accurate and that you are fully informed before this stage is complete. We make sure no question goes unanswered, so you can move forward with certainty. - Settlement and completion: At the point of settlement, your funds are transferred, the Land Registers of Scotland are updated, and ownership of the property officially changes hands. Our team will submit all title deeds, register the property, and manage mortgage discharge or set-up as required by your lender.
This stage involves close coordination and legal precision. Whether you are selling your current home or taking possession of your next one, our dedicated team handle the final steps with meticulous care. - Post-completion support: Even after the keys are handed over, our commitment doesn’t stop. From resolving final legal fees to helping you understand documentation or assisting with future changes to ownership, our Elgin-based team is available for ongoing support.
Why choose Harper Macleod for conveyancing in Elgin and Moray?
At Harper Macleod, our Elgin-based team combines expert legal knowledge with a deep understanding of the local market to support buyers and sellers across the region. Whether you're looking to purchase a rural retreat or sell a family home, we offer a seamless, professional service that puts your needs first.
Whether you're purchasing your first home or selling a countryside property, we offer clear advice and practical support throughout the conveyancing process, ensuring everything runs smoothly from offer to completion.
“Harper Macleod made selling our home in Elgin a breeze… The team explained everything clearly, were always quick to respond, and made the legal side feel completely manageable.”
For sellers, our fully integrated estate agency and conveyancing service simplifies the process. Benefit from our fixed-fee estate agency package for just £995 when you also instruct us for conveyancing, offering excellent value and a seamless experience from initial marketing through to settlement.
