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Once your interest has been noted you should then arrange a survey and valuation on the property in anticipation of making an offer at the closing date.

Your lender will arrange for a qualified surveyor to inspect the property to check its value. You will usually have to pay for the valuation, even if you do not go on to buy the property.

Remember, a valuation is not a full survey and will not go into much detail about any repairs or maintenance that the property might require. You should, therefore, consider having a complete survey carried out on the property.

It is possible to make an offer conditional on survey but this is not recommended as it will make your offer unattractive to the seller.

Property checks

A system of feudal tenure exists in Scotland, in which the seller has the power to impose permanent restrictions on the future use and development of the property and the land.

You must check any property you wish to buy for such restrictions.

If you intend to buy, contact your solicitor and arrange for a property survey. Your mortgage lender will insist on a property survey before approving your mortgage.

Step 7
» Receiving an 'offer of advance'