CONVEYANCING

What are Searches?

The buyer’s solicitor will undertake what are known as searches.  These are sometimes called conveyancing or property searches.  The 3 main searches are:-

  • Local Authority – planning, roadways, listed buildings
  • Water & Drainage – checking mains water in and waste water (sewerage) out
  • Environmental – looking at flood risk, land contamination, and former use of land (eg industrial)

Your conveyancing solicitor will probably apply for these (and any other searches that might be needed) through one search provider making life easier quicker and often cheaper than applying directly to the local authority and water company directly.

Depending on where you are buying, specialist searches may be necessary – eg mining searches in parts of Cornwall, Wales and so on.

Searches FAQs

Conveyancing searches (also sometimes called property searches or just searches) are reports obtained by your solicitor when you are buying a house to help understand what you are buying.

There are 3 main types of property search:-

  • Local Authority Search
  • Water & Drainage Search
  • Environmental Search

This is provided by the Council local to the property you are buying and it covers things like planning.

The water and drainage search establishes mains water to, and waste water from your property. It will include plans of the water and sewer runs, and is provided by the local water company.

The environmental search looks at things such as flood risk, contamination of land (eg former industrial use), and energy and infrastructure. 

Other searches might be done eg mining (where mining has taken place such as Cornwall), and Chancel (church repairs). 

You (as buyer) will pay for your searches. 

This is down entirely to where you are in the country.  Budget for something in the region of £250-£300. 

Your solicitor will order your searches. 

Searches are mandatory if you are buying with a mortgage. 

If you have any questions at all about how searches fit in to the conveyancing process, do reach out to our expert team of property lawyers.   

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