Easier to put in bullet points.............
The vendor produces a homebuyer's report which should save potential bidders the requirement to continually pay for surveys to miss out. BUT -as was highlighted by RICS (in England) - there appears to be/is a conflict of interest whereby the vendor pays for the survey but the purchaser may be the claimant for any deficiencies. On an older property - you'd be wise to get your own survey even if you didn't need a mortgage.
Some sales in Scotland are by sealed bids, but more and more are fixed price in a stagnant market - but that doesn't prevent someone submitting a higher offer.
There is no requirement for a seller to accept the highest bid - there may be some factor which makes one buyer more attractive (entry date, no mortgage, etc)
An offer is not totally binding even when accepted - the 'missives' must be signed to make that the case.
The missives generally get signed much earlier than contract exchange in ROUK.
BUT -once missives are signed, then either party pulling out - is liable to the tangible losses of the other party (maybe if there is a significant disclosure not made - might get the party off the hook)
In Scotland - best to enter a purchase with NO property to sell. An offer 'Subject to selling your own house' is merely a 'note of comfort' and isn't generally entertained (unless their house isn't selling and your offer seems attractive)
A neighbour of mine - put her house for sale and with the solicitor/property agent - prequalified that only potential buyers with no chain and funds in place - were even shown around.
All I can think of - of the top of my head.
(Engineer - not Solicitor)