14 BUSINESS NEWS
Leah’s tips for buying wisely in the capitalLeah’s tips for buying wisely in the capital
What are the most important things to know
about buying property in Edinburgh?
Understanding the legal process in Scotland
and involving your team of professionals as
early as possible is important when buying a
property. This allows you to anticipate all
associated costs of buying a property, including
Land & Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT),
Additional Dwelling Supplement (where
applicable, and of course legal fees.
It’s equally as important to understand
exactly what you’re buying and the amount of
potential works involved. The Home Report
acts as a helpful guide and knowing when to
bring in experts and specialists will help you
make more informed decisions. In acompetitive market, making the right o er for
successful acceptance is key and should be
approached with care and proper advice.
If you’re buying in Edinburgh, be aware of
additional factors that may in uence your
decision: properties with shared repairs, future
planning applications, listed building
restrictions, conservation areas, parking permit
requirements, and even the council's new bin
hub placements.
Researching your preferred locations in
advance will also help de ne the best area for
your lifestyle and save you time in the long run.
From the timeless elegance of the New Town’s
Georgian crescents to the leafy avenues of
Morningside or the discreet charm ofStockbridge, each neighbourhood has its own
prestige and character, with schools, fabulous
dining, tranquil green spaces, and seamless
connections across the city.
Choosing wisely ensures you will acquire not
just a home, but a sense of community in your
part of the capital.- Engage a solicitor early.
- Budget for taxes and legal fees.
- Research locations.
- Review the Home Report carefully.
- Carry out due diligence.
- Once missives are concluded, a contract is
legally binding.
Leah Bryce is Managing Director of Leah Bryce
Property Sourcing Ltd.
http://www.leahbrycepropertysourcing.com
PLANNING PERMISSIONhas been granted by the
council to Forth Ports for its development in the Port
of Leith called The Dry Dock at Harbour 31 – which
will include o ces made from containers.
The project will regenerate land used for industrial
port activities, and will transform the site into a
mixed-use development that will cater to a diverse
range of businesses. The Dry Dock will also introduce
new public spaces, opening previously inaccessible
areas of the port to the wider community.
The Dry Dock will feature repurposed shipping
containers to provide exible workspaces respecting
the site’s industrial heritage while creating a
collaborative, professional, and sociable environment.
Pamela Smyth, Chief Legal and Property O cer, of
landowners Forth Ports Limited, said:“We are thrilled
to receive positive consent for The Dry Dock at
Harbour 31.
“Our plans for this area will deliver a vibrant,
creative and commercial hub which will be integrated
into this historical part of the port. The Port of Leith is
going through a major transition as it becomes aleading o shore renewables hub and The Dry Dock
will be a positive addition as Leith and the waterfront
continues its regeneration.”
The Dry Dock will feature repurposed shipping
containers which will provide exible, inspiring
workspaces that respect the site’s industrial heritage
while creating a "collaborative, professional, and
sociable environment".
Some key buildings on the site, such as the former
dry dock pump house, sheds and rail tracks will be
preserved and incorporated into the design, helping
to maintain the site’s historical character and
enhancing its sense of place.
Following a review of the planning consent
conditions, construction is expected to begin in 2026
with completion late 2027/early 2028. This
development is the second phase of the Harbour 31
development by Forth Ports. A Planning Permission in
Principle was submitted in March 2024 for 337 homes
and around 244 square metres of commercial space
which is currently proceeding through the planning
process.Forth Ports draw up
plans for Dry Dock
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