Searches are typically conducted by professionals who have access to official databases and records. While some basic information might be available to the public, comprehensive and legally recognised searches usually require expert involvement.
Getting it wrong could cause all sorts of issues and leave you facing some massive problems in your new home.
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Can you do property Searches yourself?
You can order your own searches and avoid all the delays and excuses.
The information revealed by these searches can be critical in making an informed decision about a property purchase. For instance:
– Environmental searches might reveal flood risks that could affect insurance premiums or even the property’s long-term viability.
– Local authority searches could uncover planned developments that might impact the property’s future value or your enjoyment of it.
– Water and drainage searches might reveal issues with connections that could be costly to rectify.
Use the code PropertySaviour to get 5% off.
What are property searches?
Property searches are checks conducted during the conveyancing process to uncover any issues with the property or land. These can include local authority searches, environmental checks, and drainage and water enquiries.
Do I need property searches if I am a cash buyer?
While not legally required for cash buyers, property searches are highly recommended.
They provide important information about the property that could affect its value or your ability to sell it in the future.
What do Searches show?
When buying a property, thorough searches are crucial for uncovering potential issues that could affect your purchase. Property searches protect both you and your lender (where you have one) and even when buying with cash you would be wise to take appropriate precautions to make sure you know exactly what you are buying.
By ordering your searches as soon as possible you will be made aware of any problems that could diminish your enjoyment of your property. Results from searches can be used to re-negotiate your agreed purchase price or under exceptional circumstances alert you to an issue that lead you to withdraw from your purchase completely. Imagine discovering the property is built on contaminated land, in close proximity to an old mineshaft or the trees in the garden are subject to a protection order preventing your proposed extension?
Ordering your searches early could save you thousands of pounds in survey fees, mortgage arrangement fees and solicitors costs. Most buyers wait far too long to see sight of this vital information because they leave it up to their conveyancer and are not aware they can buy their own searches. You are far less likely to make rational decision on search findings when you are emotionally and financially committed to proceed. You can avoid the inevitable delay waiting for a conveyancer to get around to ordering results of the environmental reports are invariably back in the hands of the buyer (the most important person in the transaction) within the hour, helping them to identify possible areas of elevated risk and make decisions far sooner in the process.
Here’s a detailed overview of what property searches typically show:
Local Authority Searches:
– Planning history and potential future developments
– Building control history
– Nearby road schemes or planned transport changes
– Conservation area status
– Tree preservation orders
– Enforcement actions
– Compulsory purchase orders
– Contaminated land registers
Environmental Searches:
– Flood risks (from rivers, sea, or surface water)
– Landslide and ground stability risks
– Radon gas levels
– Contaminated land risks (e.g., former industrial sites)
– Nearby landfill sites
– Proximity to power lines or wind farms
Water and Drainage Searches:
– Water supply source and quality
– Sewerage and drainage connections
– Risk of sewer flooding
– Water mains and public sewer locations
– Any planned works that might affect the property
Land Registry Searches:
– Official copies of the property’s title register
– Title plan showing the property’s boundaries
– Any restrictive covenants or easements
– Details of leasehold terms (if applicable)
Chancel Repair Liability Searches:
– Potential liability for contributing to local church repairs
Mining Searches (in relevant areas):
– History of mining activity in the area
– Potential for ground instability due to old mine workings
Energy and Infrastructure Searches:
– Proximity to oil or gas pipelines
– Nearby renewable energy projects
– HS2 or Crossrail routes (if relevant)
Highways Searches:
– Responsibility for maintaining nearby roads and footpaths
– Any planned road schemes that might affect the property
Commons Registration Searches:
– Whether the land is registered common land or a village green
Bankruptcy Searches:
– Checks if the seller has been declared bankrupt
What is in a search pack?
Here is a list of the major components that you should be looking for in a search pack:
- Local Authority Searches
- Environmental Searches
- Water and Drainage Searches
- Land Registry Searches
- Chancel Indemnity Policy
Property Search Direct, a reputable search provider, offers an enhanced residential pack that covers many of these crucial searches. This pack is designed to give home buyers a comprehensive overview of potential issues or liabilities associated with a property.
It’s worth noting that Property Search Direct is currently offering 5% discount on their enhanced residential pack when you use the code “PropertySaviour”. This can be a cost-effective way to ensure you’re getting thorough, professional searches conducted.
Why have we teamed up with Property Searches Direct?
At PropertySaviour we strive to offer best advice, Property Searches Direct empower home buyers to order searches themselves which are sent directly to the home buyer and their conveyancer as complete reports.
Property Searches Direct are rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot they specialise in helping home movers buy their own Searches and receive expert advice in interpreting them. You can be sure that the searches are compliant and meet legal standards and are accepted by mortgage lenders and that results are presented in a clear, understandable format.
We have negotiated a special discount with the code ‘PropertySaviour’.
Use the code PropertySaviour to get 5% off.
How long do searches take?
The only search to worry about is the Local Authority Search which can take anywhere from a few days or even a few months to complete in some areas. They can also vary wildly depending on the time of year. Property Searches Direct publish a list of all local authorities Search turnaround times on their website. Quicker alternatives are often available
https://www.propertysearchesdirect.co.uk/turnaround-warnings
Most searches can generally be returned quickly and contain a large quantity of important data to help you make plans.
When should property searches be done?
Property searches are typically conducted at a specific stage in the home buying process.
Here’s a detailed look at when property searches should be done:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Timing in the Purchase Process | – Initiated after offer acceptance, before contract exchange – Start as soon as solicitor/conveyancer is instructed |
| Early Stages | – Begin searches early in conveyancing process – Allows time to address issues before legal commitment |
| Before Exchange of Contracts | – All searches should be completed and reviewed – Crucial as exchange legally binds you to purchase |
| In Relation to Mortgage Offer | – Many lenders require completed searches for formal offer – Early searches can avoid mortgage delays |
| Timeframe | – Typically ordered within 1-2 weeks of instructing solicitor – Results usually return in 2-3 weeks (may vary) |
| Considerations for Timing | – Local authority workload – Property type – Market conditions |
| Balancing Act | – Starting too early risks wasted money – Starting too late could jeopardize purchase |
| Using Property Search Direct | – Often provides quicker turnaround times – Enhanced residential pack available with discount |
| Proactive Approach | – Some buyers order searches upon offer acceptance – Can speed up process, but ensure acceptance by solicitor/lender |
| Lease-specific Considerations | – Leasehold properties may require additional enquiries |
| New Build Properties | – Timing may differ; some searches may need to be delayed |
| Seasonal Factors | – Busy periods (e.g., summer, pre-Christmas) may extend search times |
To ensure smooth and timely completion of property searches:
- Instruct your solicitor as soon as your offer is accepted.
2. Discuss search requirements and timelines early on.
3. Consider using a specialised search company like Property Search Direct for potentially faster results.
4. Be prepared to pay for searches promptly to avoid delays.
5. Stay in regular communication with your solicitor about the progress of searches.
Remember, while the current offer from Property Search Direct (5% discount off their enhanced residential pack with code “PropertySaviour”) can be cost-effective, the most important factor is ensuring all necessary searches are completed thoroughly and in a timely manner.
By starting searches at the right time and using efficient services, you can help ensure a smooth progression towards completing your property purchase.
Use the code PropertySaviour to get 5% off.
