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Looking out for your children with a Will
Making a Will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your children’s future. In Scotland, a Will allows you to decide who should care for your children if you die while they are still young, how their inheritance will be managed, and how to balance...
DIY Wills Scotland – Common Problems and How to Prevent Them
DIY Wills may seem like a quick and cheap solution, but in Scotland, they often lead to confusion, disputes, and may even be invalid. This article outlines the risks of do-it-yourself Wills, explains why Scottish law makes them especially problematic, and highlights...
Can I Claim Against the Surveyor Who Prepared the Home Report in Scotland?
If you’ve found serious defects after moving into your new home in Scotland, you might be wondering whether the surveyor who prepared the Home Report’s Single Survey can be held accountable. In this article, Wallace Quinn Solicitors, with offices in Glasgow,...
Using a Lifetime ISA to Buy Your First Home in Scotland
Lifetime ISAs can be a fantastic way to save for your first home, but timing and procedure are crucial when it comes to using them in a property purchase. Solicitors must ensure the right steps are taken well in advance of the date of entry and settlement, otherwise...
Interest Rate Cut: What It Means for Scotland’s Property Market
The Bank of England’s latest interest rate cut to 4% could offer a welcome lift to the Scottish property market. This article from Wallace Quinn explains what the reduction means for buyers, sellers, and mortgage holders, with insights on how to make the most of...
A Comprehensive Guide to Buying a House in Scotland
Thinking of buying a house in Scotland? Whether you're stepping onto the property ladder or moving home, our comprehensive guide to buying a house in Scotland explains everything you need to know. From understanding Home Reports and setting a budget to navigating the...
What is a Survivorship Destination and How Can It Affect Your Estate?
When you buy a property with someone else, most commonly a spouse or partner, how you structure the legal title can have significant consequences for what happens to the property when one of you passes away. One key feature that often goes unnoticed is known as a...
Problems After Buying a House in Scotland – What Are Your Rights?
Are you dealing with unexpected problems after buying a house in Scotland? From damp patches and faulty heating to missing fixtures and roof leaks, many homebuyers discover issues after they’ve moved in. But what are your legal rights - and can you claim compensation...
The Importance of Estate Planning: Why It Matters in Protecting Your Legacy
Planning ahead isn’t just about passing on wealth – it’s about peace of mind. At Wallace Quinn, we help individuals and families across Scotland secure their future through effective estate planning. This blog post is designed to educate readers about the importance...
Wallace Quinn Sponsors The Bathgate Procession and Community Festival
Wallace Quinn Solicitors were proud sponsors of musical talent at The Bathgate Procession and Community Festival on Saturday 7th June, championing local talent Fraser McLean. We are delighted to have been involved in the sponsorship of the live music tent at this...
Power of Attorney and Dementia: Planning for When It Strikes
Dementia doesn’t just affect memory - it affects lives. Families are often left unsure of how to help their loved one when cognitive decline sets in. Whether caused by Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, the condition can slowly strip away a person’s ability to...
Scotland’s Property Market Holding Strong in 2025, Says Zoopla House Price Index
The latest Zoopla House Price Index (April 2025) brings encouraging news for the Scottish housing market. While overall UK house price growth is beginning to slow, Scotland continues to outperform, with annual house price inflation sitting at 2.7% - well above the UK...
Dying intestate in Scotland means higher costs and potential delay
When you die, someone needs to deal with the administration of your estate. The administration of the estate involves discovering and listing all your property, assets and investments and their value, then finding out about the extent of your debts to arrive at the...
Why unmarried cohabiting couples must make Wills
There are complicated rules in Scotland when someone dies intestate. Dying intestate means dying without having made a Will. Within these rules are safeguards to ensure the surviving spouse or civil partner shares in the estate of their deceased spouse or civil...
Who will inherit your estate if you die without a Will?
When you die without a Will, also known as dying intestate, your estate will be wound up under the rules of intestate succession. Intestate succession is when you die without having made a Will. The rules of intestate succession in Scotland set out how much your...
Equity release: Home reversion plan or lifetime mortgage?
Once you reach 55 years of age, you have options if you have equity locked up in your house. When you reach that age, as a homeowner, you have the ability to release the capital locked up in your property. You can do that by taking out a home reversion plan or a...
What happens after you’ve repaid your mortgage?
When you consider the average mortgage is twenty five years and that you’ve probably moved house once or twice and started the twenty five years all over again, you might think there would be more of a celebration when you make that final mortgage payment. There...
Additional Dwelling Supplement costs increase by 2% – Again!!
In the latest Scottish Budget, presented by the Scottish Finance Secretary, Fiona Robison, on 4th December 2024, she announced that from 5th December 2024 the rate of the Additional Dwelling Supplement (ADS) would increase by 2%. This means it will rise from 6% to 8%....
What impact has the UK Budget had on Estate and Inheritance Tax Planning?
In the recent UK budget, the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves announced a range of changes in the way estates are dealt with for Inheritance Tax (IHT). These changes will have significant implications for many people, especially homeowners with property prices reaching...
Assessing the Need for Long-term Residential Care: A 2024 Perspective
Assessing the Need for Long-term Residential Care: A 2024 Perspective As we continue to age, the prospect of needing long-term residential care can raise concerns. In Scotland, recent statistics for 2024 highlight some noteworthy trends. The number of registered...
Bridging the Generational Gap: Talking to Parents About Equity Release
Bridging the Generational Gap: Talking to Parents About Equity Release Talking to parents about equity release - as young adults, we often find ourselves navigating through life's milestones with the support and guidance of our parents. From choosing a career path to...
Dying Without A Will in Scotland – one important change coming in April 2024
Why You Should Always Have a Will Before we talk about the changes, it is worth reiterating the three most important things you can do to help your loved ones when you die: (1) Make a Will, (2) Make a Will, and (3), Make a Will. There is one other important thing...
10 tips for preparing your property for sale viewings
Preparing your property for sale and ensuring it is looking its best is an essential step ahead of the photographer arriving to take pictures and potential buyers coming for viewings. By taking the time to make your property inviting, you can help maximise the...
The Role of an Executor in Scotland
What Administering an Estate Involves The administration of an estate incorporates a blend of legal acumen and administrative tasks. Confronted with potential challenges or claims on the estate or even navigating the estate's winding-up process without a Will— known...
Wills and Estates – Can a murderer inherit from his victim?
Can a murderer inherit from his victim? If you like reading old crime novels or watching whodunnits on TV, you’ll have read plenty of stories where the prime suspects in the murder of a wealthy individual are the children and the motive is a large inheritance. But...
Buying property in conservation areas
If you’ve found your dream property and it is a fine old building in a particularly charming community, it may be that the building is listed and/or is located within a ‘conservation area’. In this article we’ll talk more about what the conservation area may mean for...
The Risk of the Wrong Beneficiary in your estate
The risk of the wrong beneficiary in your estateEverybody should have a Will. And it really should be written by a solicitor. One of the key reasons being we can talk you through all of the various implications of your decisions and what you can and cannot do within...
Buying a Listed Building in Scotland
Buying a listed building in Scotland - if you’ve found your dream property and it is a fine old building in a particularly charming community, it may be that the building is listed and/or is located within a ‘conservation area’. In this article we’ll talk more about...
Zero to 18+: What is the right age children should inherit in my Will?
If you are asking 'what age children should inherit in my will?", we recommend writing or updating a Will whenever you have a major life event. If you have children, you will want to make a provision for them in your Will. One consideration you must make is when...
Valuing assets in an estate (part 2) – more creative thinking
Valuing assets in an estate - with significant rises in house prices in recent years, more and more people are finding they will be liable for Inheritance Tax (IHT) on their estate after they die. Inheritance Tax is payable on the value of an estate over £325,000 and...
Equity Release in Coronation Street
Equity Release in Coronation Street - Equity release has featured in a recent storyline on ITV’s "Coronation Street" involving a character taking out an equity release product on his mother’s property without her knowledge. Whilst the story line makes for exciting...
Valuing Assets in a Will (Part 1) – Focused Thinking
Valuing assets in a will is important for a number of reasons. With significant rises in house prices in recent years, more and more people are finding they will be liable for Inheritance Tax (IHT) on their estate after they die. Inheritance Tax is payable on the...
Potential Pitfalls to Avoid: Common Mistakes Made by UK Buyers in Spain
Purchasing a new build property in Spain can be a fantastic investment and an opportunity to fulfil your dreams of owning a home in a sunny and vibrant country. However, it's essential to be aware of Common Mistakes Made by UK Buyers in Spain and other pitfalls that...
Can you change a Will after someone has died?
Generally, no, it is not possible to change a Will after somebody has died if you simply don’t like what the deceased decided to do with their estate. However, there are some circumstances where it is possible to seek to redistribute the estate among the...
Can I pull out of a house sale?
Buying and selling property can be a stressful process. If you’re asking the question 'Can I pull out of a house sale?', something has probably happened that has significantly increased your stress levels. Perhaps the planned mortgage for your new house has fallen...
Making a Will in Scotland, a complete 10 point Guide
Making a will is a crucial step in ensuring that your assets and estate are distributed according to your wishes after your death. In Scotland, the process of making a Will follows specific legal requirements. This step-by-step guide will help you understand the key...
A Comprehensive 8 Point Equity Release Guide for Scotland
If you are over 55 and own your own home, Equity Release offers a route to unlock the value tied up in the property. This equity release guide will take you through the process step-by-step, including the importance of seeking independent advice to assess whether...
Understanding Title Deed Transfers in Scotland
Understanding Title Deed Transfers in ScotlandIn this article, we look to explore dispositions and title deed transfers in Scotland with our helpful guide. Learn the steps, timing and legal requirements with Wallace Quinn Transferring title deeds in Scotland is an...
Understanding the Importance of the Date of Entry
Understanding the Importance of the Date of Entry What is the Date of Entry? The date of entry is a crucial component of conveyancing in Scotland, as it determines when the buyer gets the keys to the property and the seller receiving payment. It also sets the timeline...
Unlocking the Benefits of Equity Release in Scotland
Unlocking the Potential of Your Home As we reach our retirement years, many of us find ourselves considering the future of our finances and how to make the most of the assets we already have. One of the options that may be particularly beneficial for those who have...
Wallace Quinn kiltwalkers smash fundraising target
Wallace Quinn’s Margaret McMillan and Hazel Hamilton have smashed their £1000 fundraising target for Glasgow’s Golden Generation at this year’s Glasgow Kiltwalk. Margaret and Hazel walked the 14.6 miles from Clydebank to Loch Lomond in a little over four and a half...
Updating Your Will in Scotland: Why, When, and How
Updating Your Will in Scotland: Why, When, and How Do you know that statistics show that only 30% of the Scottish population have a legal Will in place? Planning for the future is vital and having a Will is one way to ensure that your wishes are fulfilled. Also, over...
Wallace Quinn staff to Kiltwalk for Glasgow’s Golden Generation
Marketing and Business Development Director Margaret McMillan and Legal Cashier Hazel Hamilton will be taking part in this year’s Glasgow Kiltwalk to help raise funds for charity ‘Glasgow’s Golden Generation’. Kiltwalk is Scotland’s largest mass participation walking...
5 important stages of buying property in Scotland
5 important stages of buying property in Scotland If you’ve found your ideal property and are ready to get the ball rolling on a purchase, in this article we’ll talk about the 5 key stages on the conveyancing journey.Important Stages of Buying Property in Scotland (1)...
Cyber security – 5 ways we’re working hard to keep your digital information secure
As part of our commitment to clients and our obligations as a firm regulated by the Law Society of Scotland, we do all that we can to keep your data safe and provide measures to maximise cyber security. In this article, we’ll look at some of the steps we take to do...
Top 5 Equity Release Facts
Wallace Quinn have been helping clients with equity release for a number of years now. in this article we'll review 5 equity release facts we're often asked about. Equity Release Facts - Introduction If you are over 55 and own your own property, equity release is a...
The results are in…
Wallace Quinn Managing Director John Quinn has completed his ‘Strictly for the Hospice’ dance challenge and smashed his fundraising target in the process. John has been leaving the office and heading to dance practice in recent months, where he and professional dance...
April Changes to Capital Gains Tax Thresholds
In April 2023, the threshold for capital gains tax (CGT) is changing. In the UK there is an annual exemption amount for capital gains tax; currently that exemption is £12,300. From April, it lowers to £6000. This could have an impact on anybody selling any...
Strictly Come Dancing Challenge for St Andrew’s Hospice
Wallace Quinn Managing Director John Quinn has been hard at work in the dance studio in his spare time in recent months as he prepares for a charity fundraiser in aid of St Andrew’s Hospice. John and professional dance partner Sharon Millar, have been learning the...
Missives: A Vital Step
Missives: A Vital StepWhat are Missives? Missives are a vital component of the sale and purchase of a property in Scotland. They are the final agreement between the buyer and the seller, outlining the terms and conditions of the sale. It is a legally binding document...
The Spanish Digital Nomad Visa offering an exciting route to living in Spain
This article has been updated as of 7th May 2024. If you can work anywhere globally with a reliable internet connection, consider becoming a digital nomad in Spain. The Digital Nomad Visa (DNV), part of Spain's Startup Act to boost entrepreneurship and technology...
Overseas Entity Property Registration Important 2023 Dates
If you own or lease property through an ‘overseas entity’, you are required to be registered with Companies House. Read on to find out more and how we can help clients affected by overseas entity property registration. Overseas Entity Property Registration On 5th...
Planning your Long-Term Care
Planning your Long-Term Care Many people worry about what will happen to their assets if they need to go into long-term care as they age. However, it is important to remember that only a small percentage of people over the age of 65, and 15% of those over 85, actually...
Wallace Quinn visit Glasgow’s Golden Generation Mattie Carwood Centre
Wallace Quinn visit GGG's Mattie Carwood Centre Wallace Quinn recently visited Glasgow Golden Generation’s Mattie Carwood Centre. Attendees had a three-course Christmas meal followed by a game of bingo and a performance from a talented singer. Glasgow’s Golden...
Quiz of 2022
Time for our third annual 'Quiz of the Year' to help pass some time with family and friends this year. To all our clients, colleagues and friends, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of us at Wallace Quinn. Rules: 1. Have fun. 2. No smartphones. 3. 1 point...
Our 3 amazing Community Partners – St Andrew’s Hospice, S.M.I.L.E. Counselling and Glasgow’s Golden Generation
Community is important to us at Wallace Quinn and we currently work with three amazing charities to help with fundraising and other activities – St Andrew’s Hospice, S.M.I.L.E. Counselling and Glasgow’s Golden Generation. Find out more about them below read about...
Managing digital assets after death
Managing Digital Assets after Death When someone passes away, the process of sorting out all their assets can be an upsetting and stressful time. However, one thing that’s normally not mentioned or thought of is the digital footprint they leave behind. According...
I don’t need a mortgage, so why do I need a valuation?
Cash buyers have a lot of advantages in the property market and it is easy to see why. If you don’t need a mortgage to fund a property, you are in control of more of the process; after all, you’re not waiting for a massive organisation involved in huge number of sales...
Glasgow’s Golden Generation
Wallace Quinn is delighted to have been asked to support the charity Glasgow’s Golden Generation by providing legal advice to older adults using their service. We’ll be attending the Mattie Carwood Day Centre in Shettleston to answer any questions attendees may have...
Dying without a Will
Dying without a Will – What will happen to all my Assets?When a person dies without a Will, his/her estate (all financial assets) is known as an “intestate estate”. With no instructions for the distribution of any of the money, property or possessions that would make...
Buying a house, is now the right time?
When is the right time to buy a house? With house prices falling this past month, many may be considering whether now is the right time to buy a house. In this article, we will provide some considerations to help you decide. Housing Prices & Interest Rates...
Wills – A Halloween Story, but do you want a happy or sad ending?
Halloween is a time for scary stories and we might have one to tell this year - a tale of two wills. It’s a story where you can decide what happens. Read on and we’ll ask you to make a choice on what happens next for Jane when something both knowingly inevitable yet...
5 scary tips for Selling or Buying a Haunted House this Halloween
Halloween is upon us once again and as our minds turn to ghosts and ghouls, you might be thinking of selling or buying a haunted house. You might be wondering if that Victorian House you’ve got your eye on, the one with the south facing garden, period features, high...
Meet the Staff – Solicitor (and Director) James Reid
At Wallace Quinn, we believe in giving our staff room to grow in their professional careers with training and support. Nobody demonstrates this better than James Reid, who joined Wallace Quinn as a sixteen year old office junior from High School and is now one of our...
Planning for Long Term Care with a TRUST WILL
In this article, we'll discuss how a Trust Will can assist in protecting property assets. Many of us take comfort from the thought that our assets will pass to our children when we die. However, Scotland has an aging population and that means the number of older...
Rent freeze and eviction ban update
Rent freeze and eviction ban update - the Scottish Government has published its ‘Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Bill’ which is likely to become law in the coming days. What’s included in the legislation? The legislation will give Government Ministers...
Separate Representation – a potential mortgage stumbling block
Most major mortgage providers have a list of what they call ‘panel solicitors’. To be put onto a panel, solicitors have to meet certain standards of service and have adequate knowledge of the policies and practices of the relevant builder/provider. Wallace Quinn are...
Scottish Government announces rent freeze and evictions moratorium
Each year in September, the Scottish Government publishes its ‘Programme for Government’, which outlines what it plans to do in the coming year. This year’s plans include emergency legislation to put in place a rent freeze until at least 31 March 2023 and a...
Networking Opportunity for Females in Property
Wallace Quinn Directors Margaret McMillan and Amy Ieropoulos are founder members of a new networking organisation in Scotland. ‘Female Property Connect’ met for the first time recently with a great turnout from women keen to assist each other grow their businesses...
Missives Concluded – does that mean I’ve sold my house?
You made the decision to sell your house, you’ve hidden everything that moves and decorated everything that doesn’t, you’ve shown lots of people around your home and you’ve just had a phone from your estate agent with news of an offer that made you shout ‘accept!’. If...
Trusts and Tax Registration
There are any number of reasons why you might want to create a Trust, such as leaving money in your Will to transfer to your children when they reach a certain age or transferring your home to a Trust for the benefit of your children but reserving the right to live in...
Staging – Setting the stage to sell your property
Tried and tested results At Wallace Quinn, we work with Keys Estate Agents to market and sell property in Glasgow and the west. Staging is a property marketing service offered by Keys and is great if you want your property to come alive in pictures and at viewings in...
Two important documents everyone should have
As we pass the second anniversary of the first coronavirus lockdown, there is no doubt this pandemic has given us much to think about. The speed with which Covid-19 quickly took away members of so many families, especially in the early days of the pandemic, gives us...
Buying a house with a partner
In this article we look at the situation where you are buying a house with a partner to whom you not married to nor in a civil partnership with. There are certain safeguards available to married couples and those in a civil partnership that are not available to...
Property Funding checks – why and how we do it
For many years, Law Society of Scotland regulations and anti money-laundering laws have obliged us to undertake ‘source of fund’ checks for conveyancing clients. One of the final steps in the conveyancing journey is for both the mortgage companies (if using one) and...
Staff News
At Wallace Quinn, we firmly believe in the importance of career development and providing opportunities and support to our staff. We run a trainee solicitor programme and we support our staff with training opportunities and career development. Solicitor James Higgins...
Wallace Quinn’s newest solicitor qualifies and takes up full-time position
Wallace Quinn’s newest solicitor will complete his traineeship on 4th February and take up a full-time position with the firm. James Higgins works in our Livingston office as part of the conveyancing team. James studied law at Glasgow Caledonian University before...
Quiz of 2021
Dec 2022 update: You're probably here looking for the answers we've hidden to the quiz of 2022, but if not, click here to go to the questions. Answers: JAN Daniel Craig; Tonga; James Webb, 1 million miles; Ash Barty FEB Sue Gray; Cressida Dick; Virginia Giuffre;...
Will my estate have to pay inheritance tax?
Each year, over £5 billion is generated through Inheritance Tax in the UK. This is a colossal sum and only set to increase given the events of the last 18 months. It is very important to realise that HM Revenue and Customs are first in line for their share of an...
How do I change my Will?
If you’ve made a Will, congratulations! You join a select club of only 30% of the population in Scotland who’ve made a Will. However, having made a Will, what happens if your circumstances change? Things change over time. You may have been divorced or re-married. You...
S.M.I.L.E Counselling is Wallace Quinn Livingston charity partner for 2021/22
Wallace Quinn are delighted to announce we’ve chosen ‘S.M.I.L.E. Counselling’ in Livingston as one of our charity partners for the coming year. S.M.I.L.E. support young people with mental health issues through outreach counselling. The West Lothian based charity...
Wallace Quinn solicitor races to meet unusual demand
At Wallace Quinn, we’re used to meeting urgent and unexpected deadlines, but one member of staff recently took a call which really raised the stakes… A Wallace Quinn Trainee Solicitor had to abandon his work when his partner went into labour. Jonathan Poole had only...
Now is the ideal time to sell residential property
The housing market is expected to remain solid for the next few months with price increases slowing but continuing overall well into the new year. With many more people living AND working from home, many have begun to reassess what they need from a property, with...
Forget WFH (work from home) and embrace WFS (work from Spain!)
Forget WFH (working from home), many of us have realised that we can actually WFA (work from anywhere). For some, that’s meant casting their gaze towards warm sunny climates such as Spain. Just imagine shutting your computer lid at the end of the day and going for...
Meet the Team – Solicitor Pamela Murdoch
Pamela Murdoch has become our latest full time solicitor after completing her traineeship in May this year. Pamela started with Wallace Quinn as a part time Paralegal in 2017 while studying for her law degree at Strathclyde University. After graduating Pamela was...
Keys Estate Agents and Wallace Quinn – a one stop property shop for Glasgow’s East End and surrounding areas
In Glasgow and the west of Scotland, Wallace Quinn and Keys Estate Agents offer a joined up approach to property sales that is cost effective and delivers great results; Keys provide the estate agency services and Wallace Quinn handle the legal conveyancing, meaning...
Why now is the right time to set-up a Power of Attorney?
A Power of Attorney is an invaluable tool whatever your age. There’s a common misconception that you only need a Power of Attorney later in life – a view based on the assumption that a Power of Attorney is only designed for use if and when you become incapacitated. In...
Planning for Long Term Care
This article featured in our June 2021 newsletter. Many people are worried, as they grow older, about what will happen if they need to go into long-term care. We need to be very careful not to get caught up in the hype about going into care as you grow older....
Meet the Team – Solicitor Maureen Jackson
Solicitor Maureen Jackson joined Wallace Quinn earlier this year to work in our Equity Release Department. We caught up with her for a chat in our Glasgow office recently. Tell us about your route into law? I was originally at university studying chemistry and...
Cyber Security – beware of scammers
At the start of each transaction, we ask clients to confirm details through a cyber-secure system and we also write to clients through the post with important information. We will NEVER contact you by telephone or email asking you to change our bank account details. ...
Job Vacancy – Commercial / Conveyancing Solicitor
Want to join our growing team in Livingston? We're looking for a solicitor and want to fill this position as soon as possible. Wallace Quinn are looking for a Commercial / Conveyancing Solicitor to join our busy team in our Livingston office. You’ll...
What is the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme?
High Street mortgage lenders have begun to offer mortgages to buyers who only have a 5% deposit, under a new government guarantee scheme. Many of these low deposit mortgages have disappeared in recent years. The policy, announced by the UK Government earlier this...
Changes to ‘Help To Buy (Scotland)’ funding from 5th February 2021
The Scottish Government unexpectedly made changes to ‘Help To Buy (Scotland)’ recently, cutting off access to the scheme for many new applicants from 5 February. While the news is undoubtably disappointing, some funding is still available and additional funds have...
January Lockdown – what does it mean for clients?
We're open for business - If you need help buying or selling property, preparing a Will or power of attorney, commercial work or general legal advice, get in touch. New Year, New Lockdown, New Rules The Scottish Government’s lockdown rules meant some frantic...
Quiz of 2020 answers
If you're at this page, you've probably done the quiz and are looking for the answers. If not, click here for the quiz questions. Answers (1 point for each correct answer) - JAN: Duke and Duchess of Sussex; Wuhan; Kobe Bryant; Imelda Staunton FEB: 10,000 episodes;...
Quiz of 2020
With more time at home than usual this year, we thought a ‘Quiz of the Year’ might help pass some time. To all our clients we’ve helped buy a house in 2020, we hope your first Christmas in your new home is memorable. To all our clients we’ve helped in thirty years, we...
Moving House still allowed Under Level Four Restrictions
The Scottish Government has announced that a number of Local Authority areas in Scotland will move into ‘Level Four’ Covid-19 restrictions from 6pm on Friday 20th November until at least Friday 11th December. The areas moving into Level Four are listed at the bottom...
First Home Fund finishing up early for 2020/21
The Scottish Government's administrators of the First Home Fund have announced the £200 million allocation for 2020/21 is almost spent, with final applications being accepted until 6pm on Friday 2nd October for property purchases due to complete before 31st March...
Blog – what do I need to do about the estate of a family member after a bereavement?
What do I need to do after someone has died? When a close family member dies, it can be an incredibly stressful time. There are some immediate needs to be taken care of – the funeral, for one. Then you have to inform people of the arrangements and deal with the...
Which is the right type of mortgage for me?
Which is the right type of mortgage for me? Whilst there are a wide variety of mortgages generally available, they tend to fall into three categories – Variable Rate, Interest Only and Fixed Rate. In this article, we’ll take a brief look at each type. (This is an...
Blog – Why NOW is the time to sell a property
If you’re thinking of selling your property, now is most definitely the time to be discussing this with our Estate Agency team. At Wallace Quinn we offer a full estate agency and conveyancing service, meaning we offer clients a one-stop shop for every step of the...
Podcast Five – What is conveyancing?
In our latest podcast, we go back to conveyancing basics with solicitors Mark McBride and John Quinn. We'll find out exactly what you are buying, from the bricks and mortar in the property to the airspace above. We'll find out why the Land Registry is so important...
Home buyers could save over £2000 in tax with temporary LBTT changes
The starting threshold for Land and Buildings Transaction Tax ( LBTT) on residential property sales in Scotland is rising from £145,000 to £250,000 from 15 July 2020 until 31 March 2021. This amounts to over £2000 in savings on a property bought for £250,000 and...
Further Guidance Issued on 29 June Property Market Restriction Easing
The Scottish Government announced last week that moving home would be permissible from 29th June 2020. It has now issued further guidance on what that means in practice for Scotland’s property market. The overarching guidance remains unchanged in that whenever...
Property Market Restart Begins To Gather Momentum
The Scottish Government’s review of the lockdown restrictions (Thu 18) has delivered some good news for property buyers: Construction will restart on new-build properties from Monday 22nd June. There will be a relaxation of the restrictions on moving house from Monday...
Capital Gains Tax Changes for 2020
Capital Gains Tax changes for 2020 came into effect on 6 April. This could have an impact on the amount owed to HMRC following the sale or gift of a property. Three principle changes to the legislation centre around CGT liability, lettings relief and principle...
PODCAST 4 – PROPERTY AUCTIONS AND TELEVISION SHOWS
TV Property Shows - what you need to know before going to a property auction. In this podcast, we find out why property shows on television are perhaps giving an unrealistic idea of what goes on in the conveyancing process and why buying a property at auction has some...
More encouraging news for Scotland’s Home Buyers
This week’s announcement from the Scottish Government that the Scottish Construction Industry can immediately restart sites with appropriate safety measures is hugely welcome, as are the tentative steps towards further easing of the lockdown restrictions. Construction...
Want to release cash locked up in the value of your property? Check our our equity release podcast
If you are over 55 and own your own home, you could unlock some of the cash value of the property through equity release - and use the money on whatever you want. In this podcast we answer some of the most common questions with Wallace Quinn solicitor John Quinn and...
What is a Power of Attorney and why you absolutely need one – Podcast 2
If you were incapacitated, who would you trust with your life? Who would you trust with your money? How would you empower them to make decisions that your bank or your doctor would allow? In this podcast we answer common questions about at a legal document called a...
Podcast – Why you need a Will
Welcome to our new Wallace Quinn Podcast! In episode one, we're looking at Wills with Wallace Quinn solicitors John Quinn and James Reid. You need a Will. Regardless of your age or circumstances. A Will gives you a voice and a say in what happens to your assets...
Buying and Selling Property during the Coronavirus Crisis
The Scottish Government has released advice for anybody looking to buy or sell property during the coronavirus crisis. The key message is that the conveyancing market remains open and property sales are possible but complicated by coronavirus. This is a fast moving,...
Coronavirus and the Land Registry of Scotland
The property sales market came to a screeching halt on Tuesday with law firms all over Scotland unable to complete, or ‘settle’, transactions when the Land Registry was closed by the Registers of Scotland (RoS), their offices shut and staff sent home. The Land...
Powers of Attorney and the Coronavirus
We’ve had a few conveyancing clients asking what are their options if they are unable to sign documents or access money if they are in bed with the Coronavirus. The situation is potentially so extreme and so unprecedented, that there will undoubtedly have to be a...
Want some peace of mind? – make or review your Will
This article featured in our February 2020 newsletter. January’s the month of resolutions – and most of the resolutions we’ve made have been left well behind as we move into February with the rest of the year stretching out in front of us. Isn’t it amazing how...
A Power of Attorney – isn’t that just for old people?
this article featured in our February 2020 newsletter Frank was only 35 when he made a Power of Attorney. He only did it because his wife, Janette had nagged him for months about it. She’s read somewhere that if you couldn’t look after your own affairs, if you had...
Two new Directors for Wallace Quinn
Wallace Quinn are delighted to announce the promotion of two key members of staff. Margaret McMillan has been promoted to ‘Director of Business Development and Marketing’ and Associate Solicitor Amy Ieropolous also becomes a Director. Margaret has been with Wallace...
New Year, New House – tips for getting your property ready for selling
Wallace Quinn and Keys Estate Agents offer an enhanced Estate Agency and conveyancing service to clients across Glasgow. Keys extensive knowledge of the Glasgow property market and their great team of Estate Agents, together with Wallace Quinn’s knowledgeable...
Meet the Team – Margaret McMillan
In this month’s ‘meet the staff’ profile, we catch up with our Business Development and Marketing Director Margaret McMillan. Margaret has been with Wallace Quinn for almost twenty five years; before her current role, Margaret headed up our in-house Estate Agency....
Scottish Government announce new “First Home Fund” to help first-time buyers
The Scottish Government has announced a new scheme to help first-time buyers with a deposit for a new home. The “First Home Fund” will contribute up to £25,000 towards the cost of buying a property through a ‘shared equity scheme’. Applications are being accepted...
What happens if I can no longer look after my own affairs?
This is a question that faces many people, not least those of us who are getting on a bit. The simple truth is that if you don’t take steps to make sure your interests are looked after before you can no longer make decisions for yourself, then someone can be appointed...
Release the value locked up in your property
this article is taken from our December newsletter. Do you own your own property? Are you over 55? Do you consider yourself “asset rich but cash poor”? Then Equity Release might be just the thing for you. We’re finding Equity Release is being used more and more by...
The importance of Notice Clauses in Commercial Leases
this article was taken from our December 2019 newsletter There are many clauses in commercial leases that practitioners take time to negotiate to ensure that their client is protected. Sometimes clients assume that the Notice clause in the lease requires no discussion...
John Quinn – the Strength of Team
We asked WQ's John Quinn to reflect on his trip Kilimanjaro earlier this year in a blog. We hope you enjoy what he's written: I’m writing this from my office in Glasgow where it is warm and I’m feeling reasonably relaxed and happy. But I'm reflecting on my time in...
Charity Golf Day raises £3969 for St Andrew’s Hospice
Wallace Quinn’s annual Golf Day has raised £3969 for St Andrew’s Hospice in Airdrie. The event took place at Cumbernauld’s Dullatur Golf Club, with Wallace Quinn suppliers, referral partners, clients and associates entering teams of four for the ‘Stableford’ format...
Free September Spanish Property Event
Have you ever dreamed of a Spanish Holiday Home by the sea? Or a retirement villa in the Spanish mountains? Wallace Quinn have been helping people purchase property in Spain for over 20 years. Come and meet our Spanish Property team at a FREE drop in event in...
Potential Council Tax increase for extended or altered property
Did you know that Regional Assessors monitor the Building Control Register? The reason they do this is to check what alterations are being carried out to property and which require a Building Warrant. Once they identify properties that fall into that category, they’ll...
Disinheriting your children in Scotland
Disinheriting your children in Scotland In Scotland, there’s been a long-held legal principle that you can’t disinherit your children. What this means in very simple terms is that whether or not you’ve made a Will, your children have Legal Rights to your estate. Legal...
Spanish Property Seminar – Wed 14 August
Have you ever dreamed of a Spanish Holiday Home by the sea? Or a retirement villa in the Spanish mountains? Wallace Quinn have been helping people purchase property in Spain for over 20 years. Our latest Spanish property show will be a short seminar presentation...
Meet the Team – Director Mark McBride
In our latest ‘meet the team’ series, we caught up with Wallace Quinn Director Mark McBride for a chat. Mark started as a trainee solicitor at Wallace Quinn nearly fifteen years ago, becoming a Director last year. Away from the office, Mark became a dad last year,...
Wallace Quinn employee Karter Kane off on an Africa volunteering adventure
Wallace Quinn employee Karter Kane has left us to undertake an exciting volunteering opportunity in Malawi. Twenty one year old Karter and her boyfriend are off to volunteer at a school on the shores of Lake Malawi for eight weeks before beginning an African and...
Kilimanjaro climb raises £8525 for St Andrew’s Hospice
Wallace Quinn Managing Director John Quinn visited St Andrew’s Hospice in Airdrie this week to present a cheque following his recent fundraising trip to Africa. In March John was part of a team that climbed Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. John...
Wallace Quinn announce shirt sponsorship with 2018 International Pool Association Premier League champion Mark Boyle.
Wallace Quinn are delighted to support Scottish pool champion Mark Boyle in 2019 as a sponsor. Mark is the 2018 International Pool Association (IPA) Scottish Champion, having also won the IPA Premier League, British Open Championship and English Open Championship....
Spanish Property Show 1 and 2 June
Have you ever dreamed of a Spanish Holiday Home by the sea? Or a retirement villa in the Spanish mountains? Wallace Quinn have been helping people purchase property in Spain for over 20 years. Come and meet our Spanish Property team at a FREE drop in event in...
John Quinn reaches top of Kilimanjaro
Wallace Quinn Managing Director John Quinn has succeeded in his quest to tackle Africa’s highest mountain. John reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro on 28th March, raising money for St Andrew’s Hospice in Airdrie through sponsorship. John’s trek to the summit...
Beware! Dilapidations, the hidden expense in a commercial lease
This article was first published in our March 2019 newsletter Those familiar with commercial leasing will be aware of dilapidations. These are items which require repair, usually, on termination of the lease. The normal practice is for the landlord to carry out and...
A Power of Attorney – a convenient tool or an indispensable insurance policy?
This article was first published in our March 2019 newsletter Regular readers of our eNewsletter won't be surprised to see us revisiting this topic and to try to explain how taking the step of preparing a Power of Attorney can either be a convenient tool or an...
Wallace Quinn’s John Quinn looks to settle score with Kilimanjaro
Wallace Quinn Managing Director John Quinn is off to Africa in March to settle a score with one of the continent’s most famous landmarks. John will be part of a team of Scottish trekkers aiming to reach the summit of Africa’s highest mountain, Tanzania’s Mount...
Client Briefing – Additional Dwelling Supplement Increase
From 25th January 2019, changes to a tax applied in certain residential property sales come into effect which could impact on homeowners looking to purchase a new home while requiring to sell their existing property. The Additional Dwelling Supplement (ADS) has...
Wallace Quinn unveil online fee-calculator for new build conveyancing
New-build home-buyers can now generate a conveyancing quote directly from www.wallacequinn.co.uk/new-build-calculator, twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. By answering a few questions relating to the property they wish to buy, potential clients can now see all...
Next Spanish Property Show – 23 & 24 Feb
Have you ever dreamed of a Spanish Holiday Home by the sea? Or a retirement villa in the Spanish mountains? Wallace Quinn have been helping people purchase property in Spain for over 20 years. Come and meet our Spanish Property team at a FREE drop in event in...
Wallace Quinn Charity Event Raises £3600 for St Andrew’s Hospice
UPDATE: Our Managing Director John Quinn is off to settle a score with Kilimanjaro to raise more money for St Andrew's Hospice. Read more and help him fundraise here. Wallace Quinn has long been a supporter of the St Andrew's Hospice in Airdrie. For over thirty...
New One-Stop Moving Solution for Glasgow’s East End and surrounding areas
Wallace Quinn and Keys Estate Agents have announced an exciting new partnership which will create a one stop shop for property sales, marketing & conveyancing across the East End of Glasgow. Wallace Quinn have been serving clients across Glasgow since the law firm...
Wallace Quinn Spanish Property Show Success
Wallace Quinn’s Spanish Property team hosted a Spanish Property Show at the Edinburgh Solicitor's Property Centre (ESPC) in Edinburgh recently. Our team answered questions on every aspect of buying property in Spain, from how to navigate the Spanish legal system to...
Meet the team: John Quinn, Consultant
John Quinn was one of the founding partners of Wallace Quinn back in 1990. He has recently moved from the role of Managing Partner to Consultant. We caught up with him recently for a few questions: What was it like being The Boss? “I suppose I’ve just got used to it....
Are you a first-time buyer? Here’s what you need to know
This article was first published in our November 2018 newsletter. First-time buyers have particular challenges that are, perhaps, not experienced by those who have already made the transition to home ownership. Two of the key areas of particular concern to...
Property statistics – how reliable are they?
This article was first published in our November 2018 newsletter. You could be excused for thinking that property professionals had lost the plot when property statistics seem to conflict. You might hear that the Halifax reports that the average property prices have...
ANOTHER FREE Spanish Property Information Day
Have you ever dreamed of a Spanish Holiday Home by the sea? Or a retirement villa in the Spanish mountains? After the success of our FREE Spanish property information event in September, we’re doing it all again this coming Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 November....
Wallace Quinn opens new Livingston Office
Wallace Quinn have opened a second branch in Livingston, bringing new jobs and a new focus on legal matters in the East of Scotland. Wallace Quinn offer legal services for personal, home and business life - everything from family law, corporate law and property, with...
FREE Spanish Property Information Day
Have you ever dreamed of a Spanish Holiday Home by the sea? Or a retirement villa in the Spanish mountains? Wallace Quinn have been helping people purchase property in Spain for over 20 years. Come and meet our Spanish Property team at a FREE drop in event in...