In Scotland, most properties marketed for sale must be accompanied by a Home Report. This provides essential information to help buyers understand the value, condition, and running costs of a property before deciding whether to view or make an offer. This guide is designed as a straightforward Scottish property survey guide, helping you read and understand the Home Report with...

Buying or selling commercial property is a major transaction. Whether it’s a shop, office, industrial unit, or land for development, the legal process in Scotland has specific steps that must be followed carefully to protect your position. Hastings Legal has the expertise to guide you from negotiation through to completion. The Importance of Due Diligence Before agreeing to a deal, it’s...

What's Included with a House Sale in Scotland: The Basics A recent legal dispute over the alleged removal of valuable fixtures from Ayton Castle is a timely reminder of what's included with a house sale in Scotland as it’s not just the building you need to think about — it’s also the things inside it. At Hastings Legal, we’ve seen everything from front doors disappearing to sellers...

When someone can’t sell their own property — whether through illness, absence, or another reason — a Power of Attorney (POA) allows a trusted person to manage the sale on their behalf. At Hastings Legal, we regularly guide attorneys through the process from start to finish. This guide explains how it works, what to check before you begin, and how our integrated service can save time, reduce...

Separation can be an emotional and complex time — and if you own a home together, there are practical and legal matters to work through as well. Whether you are married, in a civil partnership, or cohabiting, it is important to understand your rights and responsibilities in relation to the property.At Hastings Legal, we help clients navigate this process. This guide outlines the key issues involved in...

A Guide for Cross-Border Movers and Returning Scots If you’re selling a property in England and planning to buy in Scotland, it’s important to understand how the legal process differs — especially around contract timing, solicitor roles, and when you become legally committed. At Hastings Legal, we regularly support clients relocating to the Scottish Borders. This guide outlines the key...

Understanding How POA Affects Shared Assets If you jointly own a home or bank account with someone — a partner, spouse, or relative — you might assume they can simply take over if something happens to you. But that’s not always the case. This guide explains how a Power of Attorney can and can't support decisions around jointly owned property and why clear wording and good advice...