Such is Scottish law. Effectively it's a blind auction and if the seller has orally accepted an offer, you're stuck with their decision. In English law, nothing would be set in stone at this stage and you could gazump the other buyer, but in Scottish law, accepting an offer is virtually exchanging contracts and by now the two solicitors will be negotiating and concluding missives soon - the Scottish equivalent of exchange.

Yes you can put in a higher offer, no law against that. It might work or it might not. Nothing is set in stone until exchange of contracts.

UK

former Estate Agent

That totally svcks, however if you didn't get it writing it's not legally binding. You could try putting in another bid, but I wouldn't expect a favorable reply. Sorry.

You were not quick enough. Start looking for another property and this time make your mind up faster.

I'm in Edinburgh, Scotland and had my heart set on a country cottage for a long time and was planning on putting an offer in for a house at the fixed price it was asking for.

I received a phone call to say that the seller already accepted an offer this morning at the asking price.

This was just a few hours ago and nothing has been signed. I'm devastated and want to put in an offer above the asking price, but is this allowed due to the fact that there has been verbal acceptance? Nothing has been signed as of yet.