There is actually very little difference, despite all that is written...
The words used are slightly different as Scotland uses the term ‘offers above' rather more than we do, but it's effectively the same system. The only difference is that if you make an offer IN WRITING in Scotland that is NOT subject to a survey, you are legally bound to purchase the property once you have received acceptance in writing from the seller. In England and Wales you actually need to exchange contracts before reaching this ‘no going back' stage, but rest assured the negotiation process is pretty similar everywhere - if you really love a property that is on the market whether the price is ‘guide price, offers above, offers around, asking price, offers invited' and you are able to afford somewhere around the figure states it is always worth putting an offer in at the level you can afford as you may be the only person around.
Only properties for sale prior to the launch of Home Reports that are for sale without one will require a survey, that is unless the mortgage company asks for one if the Home Report is older than 3 months.
