Raeside Chisholm Solicitors

The figures provided by the Office for National Statistics show that the average UK house price climbed by 4.7% in the year to the end of September, hitting a record high.  It is believed that pent up demand and the LBTT relief (Stamp Duty in England) are likely to be among factors that have driven up the increase in typical values.

House prices in parts of Scotland have almost quadrupled since the last time the men’s national football team qualified for a major tournament. When Scotland played at the 1998 World Cup in France, a typical home in Scotland cost £66,127.00. It has been calculated that the average sale price now is 183% higher at £187,090.00. In East Lothian the rise in prices is the highest in the country – a property there now costs on average 269% more than in 1998.

We are pleased to advise that we are taking part in the Will Aid Scheme again this November 2020. The Will Aid scheme takes place across the country each year during the month of November and supports ActionAid, Age UK, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, NSPCC, Save the Children, Sightsavers, SCIAF (Scotland) and Trocaire (N. Ireland). Since joining the Scheme we have raised £6,655 for the nine charities involved and we are keen to continue to raise money for these charities. This is especially important to us this year as following the COVID-19 pandemic charities are in need of donations now more than ever.

According to property website Rightmove, home buyers are looking to escape crowded cities and big towns by moving to the country or the coast.  They have said that searches have doubled for homes in small towns and villages with populations less than 11,000 people and went on to say that seaside resorts have seen the biggest rise in sales. 

Notwithstanding the further restrictions imposed earlier this week, you are still allowed to move home.  However, the process of finding and moving into a new home is likely to be different, as all of those involved in the process will need to adapt practices and procedures.