You'll need a conveyancing solicitor to help you buy a home. This is a type of solicitor that specialises in property purchases.

Find a solicitor at the Law Society of Scotland.

What a solicitor does

Your solicitor will carry out the legal work for the purchase, including:

• making offers on properties

• communicating with the seller’s solicitor

• checking the title deeds

• negotiating the contract

• dealing with the paperwork

• transferring funds and taxes for the purchase

• putting the property in your name

• arranging joint ownership if you're buying with someone else

Solicitor fees

Before choosing a solicitor, get a few quotes to compare the cost. Ask them:

• how much the total cost will be, including any taxes

• if the fee is fixed, or if it depends on how much work they do

• when you’ll pay them

• what you'll owe if your offer is unsuccessful

Your solicitor should give you a breakdown of the fees they charge.