Why More Americans Are Looking at Property in Scotland

Interest in Scottish property has quietly surged among US buyers in 2025. According to UK property portal Rightmove, enquiries from American buyers about UK homes have risen by 19% this year — the highest pace since 2017. And while London has historically dominated foreign interest, Scotland is edging ahead. Nearly 28% of US enquiries focus on Scottish property, slightly more than London’s 26%.

The figures are modest in absolute terms — US buyers still represent a small fraction of overall UK demand — but the trend raises important questions. Why Scotland? Why now? And what should American buyers know about the legal landscape before taking the plunge?

Why Scotland is catching American eyes

Several factors explain the rising American interest:

• Economic uncertainty at home. Commentators link the shift to Trump’s tariffs and wider political instability in the US. Property in the UK may be perceived as a safer haven for wealth during turbulent times.
   
• Cultural and personal ties. Former President Donald Trump has long emphasised his Scottish roots — his mother was born on the Isle of Lewis — and he owns two major golf resorts in Aberdeenshire and Turnberry. The Trump connection has kept Scotland visible in US headlines.
   
• Lifestyle appeal. Edinburgh’s castle, historic streets, and natural surroundings (like Arthur’s Seat, featured in Netflix’s One Day) boost the city’s global profile. Glasgow, Argyll and Bute, and Fife are also emerging hotspots.
   
• Price advantage. Even with growth in Edinburgh and Glasgow, Scottish property is generally cheaper than prime central London. A townhouse in New Town, Edinburgh, can sell for £900,000–£1.2 million, compared with £3–£5 million for a similar property in Chelsea.

The legal side: buying property in Scotland as an American

Scotland has its own legal system distinct from England and Wales. Anyone buying in Scotland — domestic or international — must navigate a set of unique rules:

1. Offers are legally binding earlier
    In Scotland, when your solicitor submits a “formal offer” and it is accepted, you are far closer to a binding contract than in England. The process uses missives — a series of letters between buyer and seller’s solicitors. Once concluded, withdrawal becomes extremely difficult. US buyers may be surprised at how quickly they are locked in.
    
2. Freehold vs leasehold
    Scotland abolished leasehold-style residential ownership in 2004. Flats are owned outright, with common areas managed under “tenement law.” For Americans used to leasehold complications in London, this can be a major advantage.
    
3. Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT)
    Scotland does not use Stamp Duty Land Tax. Instead, LBTT applies. Rates differ slightly from England and start lower for modest properties, but higher bands can be significant for premium purchases.
    
4. Additional Dwelling Supplement (ADS)
    If the American buyer already owns property anywhere in the world, the ADS (currently 6%) is added to LBTT on Scottish purchases. For a £600,000 second home, that’s an extra £36,000.
    
5. Visas and residency
    Buying a property does not itself give Americans the right to live permanently in Scotland. Investors looking for relocation must also consider UK visa routes, such as the Innovator Founder visa or long-term residency paths.

Where Americans are looking

Rightmove’s data shows US enquiries concentrating in:

• Edinburgh – historic, cultural capital with a thriving financial and tech sector.
   
• Glasgow – lower average prices than Edinburgh, but strong rental demand and redevelopment zones.
   
• Argyll and Bute, and Fife – attractive coastal and rural retreats for lifestyle buyers.
   
• London boroughs (Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea) – still a magnet for wealth, but now slightly outpaced by Scotland in relative interest.
   

Glynn Gibb of John D Wood & Co. reports:

“We’re seeing politically motivated relocations. High-net-worth Americans want stability abroad. Scotland’s mix of lifestyle, education, and comparative affordability makes it attractive.”

The risks and practical challenges

While Scotland offers advantages, buyers must also weigh key risks:

• Currency risk – Exchange rates fluctuate. Buying in sterling while the US dollar is strong may help, but long-term exposure matters.
   
• Liquidity – The Scottish market is smaller than London’s. Premium homes may take longer to sell.
   
• Taxation – In addition to LBTT and ADS, US citizens remain subject to IRS reporting. Double-taxation treaties help, but planning is essential.
   
• Management – Buying a second home abroad requires reliable property management, particularly in rural areas.
   
• Political factors – Scotland’s own independence debates occasionally surface. While property law stability is expected, buyers should keep aware of potential shifts.

Why timing matters

The rise in American enquiries coincides with:

• A US housing slowdown, which has depressed domestic opportunities.
   
• UK government reforms to property taxation and landlord rules, which are reshaping investor behaviour.
   
• A growing global trend of wealthy individuals diversifying assets across jurisdictions.
   

Put simply: Americans with capital are looking for stability, and Scotland currently ticks the box.

Practical steps for US buyers

If you’re an American considering a purchase in Scotland:

1. Engage a Scottish solicitor early. Property law in Scotland is solicitor-led. They prepare offers, conclude missives, and ensure due diligence.
    
2. Check ADS liability. If you already own property worldwide, factor the 6% surcharge into your budget.
    
3. Consider residency goals. Decide whether this is a holiday home, rental investment, or relocation. Visa status matters.
    
4. Secure currency arrangements. Fixing rates via a forward contract can prevent cost spikes.
    
5. Understand local differences. Rural properties may involve private water or septic systems. Flats will have shared maintenance responsibilities under tenement law.
    
6. Plan for ongoing taxes. Council tax, income tax on rental profits, and potential capital gains on sale all apply. US tax obligations continue alongside.

The bottom line

Scotland’s rise as a target for American buyers is more than a passing curiosity. With 28% of US enquiries now pointing north of Hadrian’s Wall, lifestyle, stability, and cost all play a role.

But enthusiasm should be balanced with caution. The Scottish legal system is clear but distinct. Buyers must understand LBTT, ADS, and the early binding nature of contracts before committing. Those who plan carefully can secure not just a home with historic charm but also an investment that holds its value in uncertain times.

Parachute Law can help
 Whether you’re an American investor, a relocating family, or a UK resident selling to international buyers, our property solicitors specialise in cross-border transactions. We advise on:

• Tax and residency considerations
   
• Structuring purchases to minimise ADS impact
   
• Drafting and concluding missives safely
   
• Managing rural quirks (rights of access, water, and shared land)
   

Contact Parachute Law today for tailored advice on buying property in Scotland.

Get expert legal advice today —Contact Parachute Law for a free initial consultation.

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