No matter where you choose to live in Grampian, you're never far from open country or the north east coastline. Even if you decide to live in the very heart of Aberdeen itself, less that half a mile away from the city centre you'll find Aberdeen beach - a two-mile stretch of golden sand lined by an esplanade.

You'll often hear Aberdeen referred to as the 'Granite City'. This is because so many of the buildings in the city are made from this locally quarried stone. Union Bridge in the centre of Aberdeen is the largest single-span granite arch in the world. With the right mix of rain and sunshine, you might even see these granite structures sparkle!

The housing market in Grampian is buoyant and offers a choice of traditional granite properties, typically between 70 to 150 years old, and more modern houses which are generally located on the outskirts of the city.

House hunting is made easier for you by the existence of the Aberdeen Solicitor's Property Centre (ASPC). Over 90 per cent of properties for sale in and around Aberdeen are advertised through the ASPC.

Properties for sale or rent in Aberdeen can be located through:

• local newspapers such as the Press & Journal and the Evening Express
• local estate agents
• the internet

The UK Property Shop (www.ukpropertyshop.co.uk) lists contact details and web addresses for the main estate agents in and around the Aberdeen area. You can also find a list of Aberdeen estate agents in the Yellow Pages telephone directory. If you register with an estate agent, you can arrange to be informed of any properties that become available within your price range and chosen locality.

The Aberdeen Solicitors Property Centre (ASPC) is a good starting point and can be accessed online at www.aspc.co.uk

The Aberdeen Solicitors Property Centre divides the Aberdeen area in three sections:

• Aberdeen City
• Aberdeen suburbs
• country areas

The area you choose will depend on a number of factors such as what you can afford to pay, proximity to your place of work, the availability of public transport and suitable schooling for your children. The estate agent advertising the property you are interested in should be able to help you answer any queries.

Finding a solicitor

Once you find a property that meets your requirements, you should contact a solicitor. Solicitors offer a wide range of services to their clients such as the purchase, sale and lease of property. In addition to dealing with the actual marketing of property and acting for sellers and buyers, they can help you arrange mortgages and insurance. You can access a database of solicitors in the north east by logging on to the ASPC website or through your Yellow Pages.

It is normal practice in Scotland to arrange for a survey of the property to be carried out before you submit a formal offer through your solicitor. The survey should list any significant defects and repair work. Surveyors generally comment on all parts of a property that are accessible - but they are not obliged to inspect areas that are difficult to access.

If you need to arrange a mortgage, your lender will usually need proof that a survey has been carried out. Check your Yellow Pages for a list of Chartered Surveyors, or ask your solicitor for advice.

Your solicitor can advise you of appropriate mortgage advisors. These can be arranged either directly with a bank, building society or through an independent financial advisor. It is a good idea to compare the rates and benefits of several lenders to ensure you get the best deal you can.

If your home is valued at over £60,000 you will have to pay Stamp Duty when you buy it. The Stamp Duty is a percentage of the purchase price of the house. Your solicitor will explain the Stamp Duty charge to you in more detail.

Those who own their own property must pay council tax and water charges to the local council. If you rent your property from a landlord it will be the landlord's responsibility to pay the council tax and water rates although, in practice, the landlord may pass this responsibility to the tenant.

These are billed, direct to the home address by local council. The amount of council tax, water and sewerage charge that you pay depends on:

• the valuation band of your property
• any discounts for which you are eligible

The council tax helps to pay for local services. If you need further information about the valuation banding of your property, you should contact your local council tax department.

Council Tax Department
Crown House
27 - 29 Crown Street
Aberdeen
AB11 6HA

Tel: +44 (0) 1224 346789
E-mail: counciltax@finance.aberdeen.net.uk