Top ten tips to know before you buy property
Buying property is a significant decision that requires careful consideration and attention to detail. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced investor, navigating the complexities of the property market can be daunting. To help you make informed decisions and ensure a smooth buying process, here are our top ten tips for purchasing property in […]
A Guide to Inheritance Tax
When you die, you may want to leave specific assets to specific people, but having to pay Inheritance Tax may reduce the amount of your estate quite drastically. In 2021/22 a record total of £6.05bn was paid in Inheritance tax. This article will look into ways of estate planning; preventing the taxman from getting his […]
Can I transfer ownership or gift my house to avoid care home costs?
Successfully avoiding care home costs very much depends on individual circumstances, and many schemes and products claim to do just that. But often, these arrangements fail to deliver. Retaining access to your capital assets gives you choice and independence, and one of the main risks of transferring ownership into another’s name, even if they are […]
Gifting your family home, what are the risks involved?
Gifting your family home to your children can have its advantages: potentially mitigating inheritance tax being just one. But as with anything, there are also disadvantages too. What if your adult child gets divorced from their spouse, or dies? Perhaps they’re experiencing financial difficulties or later fall out with you. If you’ve gifted your home […]
Duncan Love elected as president of Society of Advocates, Aberdeen
Duncan Love, Partner at James & George Collie, has been elected as president of the Society of Advocates in Aberdeen. At the society’s annual general meeting for 2022 the presidency was passed on to Mr Love. The society’s membership is made up of legal practitioners in Aberdeen and the north east. Its origins can be […]
First-Time Buyers FAQs
Buying your first home is exciting, but you probably have questions about the process and what to expect. Here we answer some of the most-asked queries we receive. For more detailed guidance, make sure to check out our guide for first-time buyers. If you need support with buying your first home, James and George Collie […]
Top 10 Tips for Selling Your Property
Did you know almost a quarter of viewers spend less than thirty minutes touring a property they will go on to buy? So your home needs to make a compelling impression, and quickly! Our top 10 tips for selling your property explain how to showcase your home’s qualities and entice prospective buyers with the lifestyle […]
New Solicitor joins James & George Collie LLP
James & George Collie are delighted to announce Louise Armstrong has strengthened their Stonehaven office as a Family Law Solicitor. Louise, Armstrong, based in James & George Collie’s Stonehaven office, advises clients on all aspects of family law. Louise is an enthusiastic family lawyer who is committed to achieving positive outcomes for the individuals and […]
Covid-19: Housing Market Update
The housing market remains open and people can continue to move home in all protection levels, including level 4, and to and from areas with different levels, providing that they can be carried out safely in line with current government guidance on moving home. Travel within Scotland and between Scotland and the rest of the UK in […]
What does the UK-wide lockdown mean for separated families?
Last month, government guidelines were announced to control the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the UK. As of the 23 March, the public has been told to stay at home apart from necessary food shopping, one form of exercise a day, and work for those listed as ‘key workers’. Part of the restrictions also included […]