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Scotsman
08-08-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Buying or selling property in Scotland? Here's what you need to know about missives
Scott Rasmusen from the property team at Gibson Kerr puts the Scottish housing market under the spotlight and explains some crucial steps and the timeline. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... If you're buying or selling a home in Scotland, you'll likely hear your solicitor talk about 'missives.' Few people know what this actually means, but missives are a crucial part of how property sales are done here, and understanding how they work can help you feel more confident about the process. So what exactly are missives, and why do they matter so much in Scottish property transactions? What are missives? Missives are a series of formal letters exchanged between the buyer's and seller's solicitors. These letters set out the offer, the terms and conditions of the sale, and any changes that either side wants to make. Once both sides are satisfied and all terms are agreed upon, the missives form a binding legal contract. It's a process that's unique to the Scottish legal system, and while it may seem formal, it's designed to give both parties clarity, certainty, and protection. Here's how a typical missive process unfolds: The offer The buyer's solicitor sends a written offer to the seller's solicitor. This includes the proposed purchase price, the date the buyer wants to move in (known as the 'date of entry'), and any special conditions – for example, that the offer depends on securing a mortgage. Most offers also include a set of standard terms known as the Scottish Standard Clauses (Edition 6), which are widely used in property sales. Acceptance or qualified acceptance The seller's solicitor replies. They may accept the offer as it stands, but more often, they'll issue what's called a qualified acceptance – agreeing to the offer but suggesting changes to certain terms. Back and forth negotiation A few more letters may be exchanged as both parties negotiate final details. These can include things like what's included in the sale (such as appliances or light fittings), whether any repairs are needed, or other conditions specific to the property. Conclusion of missives Once both sides agree on everything, the seller's solicitor issues a final acceptance letter. At this point, the missives are 'concluded' – and that means a binding legal contract is in place. From this point on, neither side can walk away without serious consequences. Why missives matter They make the deal official: Once the missives are concluded, the deal is legally binding. This gives both buyer and seller peace of mind that the sale is going ahead. They provide clarity: Everything is written down and agreed in advance, so there's less chance of misunderstanding or disputes later. They allow for negotiation: Because the process involves back-and-forth letters, it gives both parties a chance to fine-tune the deal before it's locked in. A few key things to keep in mind Timing is important; the quicker the missives are concluded, the sooner everyone can move forward with confidence. Delays can sometimes cause complications – for example, if a mortgage offer expires or a seller changes their mind. Offers can be conditional, and any offers depend on things like getting a mortgage approved, receiving a satisfactory survey, or the seller agreeing to carry out certain repairs. Either side can walk away at any point until the missives are concluded. But once they are, the contract is binding and must be followed through. A legal perspective Missives are at the heart of the Scottish property buying and selling process. While they may seem like a formality, they're there to protect both sides and ensure the deal is crystal clear before it becomes legally binding. If you're thinking about buying or selling a property in Scotland, it's well worth having a basic understanding of how missives work. And by working with a trusted solicitor who knows the ins and outs of Scottish conveyancing, you'll be in a strong position to make informed decisions and get the best possible outcome.
Scotsman
04-07-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Edinburgh-based lawyer praised for world leading certification result
A senior associate with a Scottish law firm has been recognised on the international stage after achieving the highest global mark in a prestigious legal qualification. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Sara Albizzati, a Senior Associate in the Personal Law department at Gibson Kerr, has received a Society for Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) Excellence Award for achieving the top distinction-level exam result for the Advanced Certificate in Taxation of Trusts and Estates (Scotland) from the 2024 sittings. The accolade is awarded to those who attain a mark of 70% or above and those who top global results across their specific programme. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Sara said the award was a milestone which will continue to motivate her work going forward. She said: 'I'm honoured to receive this award from STEP – it's a huge personal achievement and one which brings me a lot of pride. The STEP Advanced Certificate in Taxation of Trusts and Estates (Scotland) is a rigorous course, and to be recognised in this way is both fulfilling and motivating.' Senior Associate with Gibson Kerr, Sara Albizzati, has been recognised on the international stage after achieving the highest global mark in a prestigious legal qualification. Sara joined Gibson Kerr in November 2022 and plays a central role in advising with executry administration for both testate and intestate estates, and advisory on all aspects of estate planning. Her expertise is extensive, covering powers of attorney, incapacity issues and guardianships, wills, asset and family protection, inheritance tax and capital gains tax planning. Highly regarded for her empathetic and personable approach, Sara is most recognised for her ability to make complex legal concepts accessible and understandable for clients. Her sensitivity and clarity are particularly valued by families navigating the legal and emotional challenges following the loss of a loved one. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Linsey Dagger, Head of Personal Law at Gibson Kerr, said: 'We are incredibly proud to see Sara's dedication to her practice recognised on a global scale.' 'It is a clear reflection of her exceptional legal knowledge and commitment to delivering the highest standard of service to our clients.' STEP is the international professional body for practitioners specialising in family inheritance and succession planning. Its Excellence Awards recognise the highest achieving graduates across its rigorous qualification programmes, with winners selected from STEP students worldwide. The Excellence Awards are independently administered by STEP Worldwide's Professional Development Team and announced annually to coincide with the global exam cycle. Sara's name will appear on STEP's official list of Excellence Award winners when the results are formally published on 30 June 2025. For more information, visit:
Scotsman
04-07-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Senior Associate excels globally with prestigious award
A senior associate with a Scottish law firm has been recognised on the international stage after achieving the highest global mark in a prestigious legal qualification. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Sara Albizzati, a Senior Associate in the Personal Law department at Gibson Kerr, has received a Society for Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) Excellence Award for achieving the top distinction-level exam result for the Advanced Certificate in Taxation of Trusts and Estates (Scotland) from the 2024 sittings. The accolade is awarded to those who attain a mark of 70% or above and those who top global results across their specific programme. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Sara said the award was a milestone which will continue to motivate her work going forward. She said: 'I'm honoured to receive this award from STEP – it's a huge personal achievement and one which brings me a lot of pride. The STEP Advanced Certificate in Taxation of Trusts and Estates (Scotland) is a rigorous course, and to be recognised in this way is both fulfilling and motivating.' Senior Associate with Gibson Kerr, Sara Albizzati, has been recognised on the international stage after achieving the highest global mark in a prestigious legal qualification. Sara joined Gibson Kerr in November 2022 and plays a central role in advising with executry administration for both testate and intestate estates, and advisory on all aspects of estate planning. Her expertise is extensive, covering powers of attorney, incapacity issues and guardianships, wills, asset and family protection, inheritance tax and capital gains tax planning. Highly regarded for her empathetic and personable approach, Sara is most recognised for her ability to make complex legal concepts accessible and understandable for clients. Her sensitivity and clarity are particularly valued by families navigating the legal and emotional challenges following the loss of a loved one. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Linsey Dagger, Head of Personal Law at Gibson Kerr, said: 'We are incredibly proud to see Sara's dedication to her practice recognised on a global scale.' 'It is a clear reflection of her exceptional legal knowledge and commitment to delivering the highest standard of service to our clients.' STEP is the international professional body for practitioners specialising in family inheritance and succession planning. Its Excellence Awards recognise the highest achieving graduates across its rigorous qualification programmes, with winners selected from STEP students worldwide. The Excellence Awards are independently administered by STEP Worldwide's Professional Development Team and announced annually to coincide with the global exam cycle. Sara's name will appear on STEP's official list of Excellence Award winners when the results are formally published on 30 June 2025.
Edinburgh Reporter
04-07-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
Edinburgh lawyer wins award with highest global tally
Sara Albizzati has received a Society for Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) Excellence Award for achieving the top distinction in the Advanced Certificate in Taxation of Trusts and Estates (Scotland) from the 2024 sittings. The accolade is awarded to those who attain a mark of 70% or above and those who top global results across their specific programme. Sara, a Senior Associate in the Personal Law department at Gibson Kerr, said the award was a milestone which will continue to motivate her work going forward. She said: 'I'm honoured to receive this award from STEP – it's a huge personal achievement and one which brings me a lot of pride. The STEP Advanced Certificate in Taxation of Trusts and Estates (Scotland) is a rigorous course, and to be recognised in this way is both fulfilling and motivating.' Sara joined Gibson Kerr in November 2022 and plays a central role in advising with executry administration for both testate and intestate estates, and advisory on all aspects of estate planning. Her expertise is extensive, covering powers of attorney, incapacity issues and guardianships, wills, asset and family protection, inheritance tax and capital gains tax planning. Highly regarded for her empathetic and personable approach, Sara is most recognised for her ability to make complex legal concepts accessible and understandable for clients. Her sensitivity and clarity are particularly valued by families navigating the legal and emotional challenges following the loss of a loved one. Linsey Dagger, Head of Personal Law at Gibson Kerr, said: 'We are incredibly proud to see Sara's dedication to her practice recognised on a global scale.' 'It is a clear reflection of her exceptional legal knowledge and commitment to delivering the highest standard of service to our clients.' STEP is the international professional body for practitioners specialising in family inheritance and succession planning. Its Excellence Awards recognise the highest achieving graduates across its rigorous qualification programmes, with winners selected from STEP students worldwide. The Excellence Awards are independently administered by STEP Worldwide's Professional Development Team and announced annually to coincide with the global exam cycle. Sara Albizzati Like this: Like Related
