One firm, both jobs
The Scottish property market works differently from England and everywhere else. A solicitor estate agent provides valuing, marketing, arranging viewings, negotiating, like what a normal estate agent does, but also the conveyancing, missives, and everything else the law requires, which what normal estate agent cannot provide.
On a national listing portal, the advertising and the legal work sit with different businesses that have never spoken. With an SPC member, they sit with one firm that answers to you and to the Law Society of Scotland. If something goes wrong at the legal stage, the people who sold you the property are the people who fix it.
How the SPC model compares
| Listing portals | SPC member firms | Estate agency only | |
| What they are | Advertising platforms | Solicitor estate agents | Marketing and sales |
| Legal work | Not included | Handled by the same firm | Referred to a separate firm |
| Regulated by | Industry bodies | Law Society of Scotland | Industry bodies |
| Local knowledge | National data | Firms based in the area | Varies by branch |
What happens when you get in touch
Most people start with a free valuation. A solicitor estate agent from a local member firm visits the property, gives you a realistic view of what it should go on at, and talks through the Home Report, timings and costs. There’s no obligation at that stage.
If you’re buying, it’s usually a conversation about what you’re looking for, what you can afford, and how offers work in your area – which varies more across Scotland than people expect.