Missives

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What are missives

Once your offer on a property has been accepted, the missives process begins. This is the formal exchange of letters between solicitors that forms the legally binding contract of sale. 

In Scotland, the missives timeline can vary depending on how straightforward the transaction is, but typically, missives take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to conclude. Factors like delays in mortgage approvals, survey results, or legal checks can impact how long missives take. Your solicitor will keep you updated throughout and work to progress things as quickly as possible.

Key features of missives

    • A series of formal letters, not one document
    • Covers agreed price, entry date, inclusions, and legal obligations
    • Negotiated and exchanged by solicitors
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When are missives concluded?

  • After both parties agree on all terms 
  • When the final letter is accepted, the contract is legally binding

Why missives matters

  • Once missives are concluded, neither party can withdraw without penalties 
  • This provides certainty and protects both buyer and seller

How long does the missives process take?

Once your offer on a property has been accepted, the missives process begins. This is the formal exchange of letters between solicitors that forms the legally binding contract of sale. In Scotland, the missives timeline can vary depending on how straightforward the transaction is, but typically, missives take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to conclude. Factors like delays in mortgage approvals, survey results, or legal checks can impact how long missives take. Your solicitor will keep you updated throughout and work to progress things as quickly as possible.

What happens after missives are concluded?

Once missives are concluded, the sale is legally binding and the property officially becomes yours on the agreed settlement date. From here, you’ll prepare for the final steps: transferring funds, arranging home insurance, and getting ready to collect your keys. This stage of the property process after missives in Scotland typically involves your solicitor finalising the legal paperwork and handling the financial transaction. You should also confirm your moving arrangements and ensure utilities and council tax accounts are set up. It’s an exciting time, your new home is just around the corner.

What is a Closing Date?

  • A deadline set by the seller’s solicitor for receiving formal offers 
  • Triggered when multiple buyers submit notes of interest 
  • Offers are submitted in sealed bids via solicitors

After the Closing Date

  • Seller chooses the most favourable offer
  • Negotiations may continue on finer details (e.g., entry date, fixtures) 
  • Missives are exchanged following the offer’s acceptance

Tips for buyers

  • Be ready with mortgage agreement and solicitor details before the closing date 
  • Submit your best offer first, there's rarely a second chance