Purchasing a property is a significant investment, and understanding the role of property searches is essential for making an informed decision.
In the UK, these searches are a crucial part of the conveyancing process, providing vital information about the property and its surroundings.
Table of Contents
What Are Searches When Buying a Property?
Property searches are detailed investigations carried out to uncover any potential issues that might affect the property or your ownership rights. These searches ensure that you are fully informed about any risks or restrictions before completing the purchase.
Local Authority Search
This search reveals critical details about the property and its immediate area:
- Planning permissions and building control issues
- Nearby road schemes or planned developments
- Conservation area status
- Tree preservation orders
- Compulsory purchase orders
These details can significantly impact your property’s future value and your quality of life.
Environmental Search
Environmental searches uncover potential risks that could affect your property:
- Contaminated land
- Flood risk (from rivers, sea, or surface water)
- Ground stability issues
- Radon gas levels
- Nearby landfill sites
Water & Drainage Search
This search provides information about:
- Water supply connections
- Sewerage systems
- Water mains and public sewers near the property
- Any history of flooding from public sewers
Knowing about water and drainage can prevent costly surprises down the line.
Land Registry Search
This official search confirms:
- The seller’s legal ownership of the property
- Any restrictions or charges on the property
- The exact boundaries of the property
Mining Searches
In areas with a history of mining activity, this search is vital. It reveals:
- Past, present, or future mining operations
- Potential for subsidence or other mining-related issues
Chancel Repair Liability Insurance
While less common, this search checks if the property carries a liability to contribute to local church repairs.
Planning Search
This detailed search looks beyond the property itself, revealing:
- Planning applications in the surrounding area
- Potential developments that could affect your property’s value or your living experience
Why Are These Searches Important?
Property searches reveal potential issues that could affect the property’s value or lead to future problems. They provide peace of mind and can save you from costly surprises after purchase.
Legal Requirements
While not all searches are legally required, most mortgage lenders insist on a minimum set of searches, typically including Local Authority, Environmental, and Water and Drainage searches.
Useful Tips
- Start the search process early to avoid delays in your purchase.
- Don’t skip optional searches if they’re relevant to your area.
- Review search results carefully and discuss any concerns with your solicitor.
- Consider additional searches if you have specific concerns about the property or area.
Cost & Duration of Searches
- Cost: The cost of searches varies depending on the local authority and the number of searches required. Typically, local authority searches can cost up to £450 (depending on Local Authority) water searches up to £100, and environmental searches up to £75.
- Duration: The time taken for searches can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the local authority’s efficiency and current demand.
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.
Call 0333 090 9187 to get your discount.
Why have we teamed up with Property Searches Direct?
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.
Overview of Key Property Searches
This table shows different types of search and associated costs:
Search Type | Purpose | Typical Cost (GBP) |
Local Authority | Planning permissions, building regulations, local developments | Up to £230 |
Land Registry | Confirms legal ownership and restrictions | Included in conveyancing fees |
Environmental | Flooding, subsidence, contamination risks | Up to £75 |
Water and Drainage | Public water connections, drainage issues | Up to £100 |
Chancel Searches | Liability for church repairs | Varies |
Mining | Risks from historical mining activities | Varies |
Use the code PropertySaviour to get 5% off.
How long do property searches take?
Property searches typically take 2-3 weeks to complete. However, this can vary depending on the local authority’s workload and the types of searches required.
Are property searches necessary?
Yes, property searches are necessary. They reveal crucial information about the property and its surroundings, helping buyers make informed decisions and avoid potential future issues.
Who pays for searches when buying a house?
The buyer usually pays for property searches. These costs are typically included in the overall conveyancing fees charged by your solicitor.
Can you exchange without searches?
While it’s possible to exchange without searches, it’s not advisable. Most mortgage lenders require searches, and proceeding without them exposes you to significant risks.
