Scotland has its own property law, tax system, and buying process. Compare Scottish removal companies, Law Society of Scotland regulated solicitors, CIOB and RICS accredited surveyors, and more — all in one place.
Whether you're buying, selling, or relocating within Scotland, Moving Merchant connects you with the right professionals at the right price.
Fully insured Scottish removal companies experienced with tenement buildings, rural access, and long-distance moves across the Highlands and Islands.
Law Society of Scotland regulated solicitors with expertise in missives, Home Reports, LBTT, and all aspects of Scottish property law.
CIOB and RICS accredited surveyors for Level 2 and Level 3 building surveys, Home Reports, and RICS valuations across all Scottish cities and regions.
Mandatory for all Scottish property sales. Includes a Single Survey, an Energy Report, and a Property Questionnaire. Commission one before listing your home.
Licensed waste carriers for full and partial house clearances across Scotland. SEPA-registered, same-day and weekend bookings available.
Short and long-term secure storage units across Scotland's major cities. Ideal for between-move storage, decluttering before sale, or during renovation.
Scotland operates a fundamentally different property system to the rest of the UK. Understanding the key differences before you buy, sell, or move is essential to avoid delays and unexpected costs.
📋 Home Report is mandatory: Every seller in Scotland must commission a Home Report before marketing — this includes a Single Survey, Energy Performance Certificate, and Property Questionnaire. Buyers can access it before making an offer. Budget £585–£820 for the report itself.
🏛️ LBTT instead of SDLT: Scotland replaced Stamp Duty Land Tax with Land & Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) in 2015. Rates and thresholds differ from England — particularly for first-time buyers and additional properties (ADS surcharge of 6%). Use our LBTT calculator →
📜 Missives bind earlier: In Scotland, once missives are concluded between solicitors, you are legally committed to the purchase — equivalent to exchange of contracts in England. Gazumping and gazundering are far less common as a result.
🏢 Tenement properties: Edinburgh and Glasgow have large stocks of Victorian tenement flats. Scottish removal companies experienced with stairwells, shared closes, and limited parking are essential — ensure yours has tenement experience before booking.
A summary of typical costs for each professional service when moving in Scotland. All figures are estimates — use our free quote tool for a tailored price.
| Service | Typical Cost Range | Average Saving with Moving Merchant | Get Quotes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🚚 House Removals (2-bed tenement) | £480 – £1,000 | £300 | Compare → |
| ⚖️ Scottish Conveyancing (buying) | £1,200 – £2,200 | £280 | Compare → |
| 📋 Home Report (seller) | £585 – £820 | £120 | Read guide → |
| 📐 Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey | £380 – £600 | £180 | Compare → |
| 📐 Level 3 Building Survey | £550 – £1,100+ | £180 | Compare → |
| 🗑️ House Clearance (2–3 bed) | £350 – £700 | £130 | Compare → |
Land & Buildings Transaction Tax applies to all Scottish residential property purchases. These are the current standard rates for home movers.
| Purchase Price Band | LBTT Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to £145,000 | 0% |
| £145,001 – £250,000 | 2% |
| £250,001 – £325,000 | 5% |
| £325,001 – £750,000 | 10% |
| Above £750,000 | 12% |
⚠️ An Additional Dwelling Supplement (ADS) of 6% applies to second homes and buy-to-let purchases on the full purchase price.
Scottish first-time buyers benefit from an increased nil-rate threshold — paying no LBTT on the first £175,000 of a purchase price.
| Purchase Price Band | FTB Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to £175,000 | 0% |
| £175,001 – £250,000 | 2% |
| £250,001 – £325,000 | 5% |
| £325,001 – £750,000 | 10% |
| Above £750,000 | 12% |
First-time buyer relief is only available when purchasing a property as your only or main residence.
Find removal companies, solicitors, and surveyors local to your area — with cost guides tailored to each city.
All solicitors are Law Society of Scotland regulated and experienced in Scots property law — missives, LBTT, and Home Reports.
Compare chartered surveyors in your area for Level 2, Level 3, Home Reports, and property valuations.
Expert guides to every aspect of buying, selling, and moving in Scotland — written specifically for the Scottish market.
Complete guide to buying and selling property under Scots law — missives, Home Reports, LBTT, solicitor fees, and the full timeline.
Everything buyers and sellers need to know about the Scottish Home Report — cost, contents, validity, and how to read one.
Calculate your Land & Buildings Transaction Tax bill — including Additional Dwelling Supplement (ADS) for second homes.
Full breakdown of the total cost of selling a Scottish property — solicitor fees, Home Report, estate agent fees, LBTT considerations.
How much does a Scottish Home Report cost? Average prices by property value, who pays, what's included, and how long it's valid.
Everything you need to know about relocating from England to Scotland — costs, legal differences, LBTT, Scottish law, and utilities.