Buying a home can feel overwhelming, particularly due to the volume of unfamiliar terms and concepts that can arise in a transaction.
‘Searches’ are a key element of a property transaction but in weighing up whether to commission them, it is important to understand what searches are and the type of valuable information searches can reveal.
It is possible to commission a wide variety of searches in respect of a property, each covering different enquiries about the property. Indeed, whilst a search into the aviation activity in airspaces over and around the property may be important to some, it will not be to many.
There are 4 ‘typical’ searches in a property purchase: Environmental, Local, Water and Drainage and Chancel Repair Liability.
If you are purchasing a property with the help of a mortgage, a lender will often insist that these searches are commissioned; a lender will want an assurance that a property has been thoroughly investigated and is ‘sound’ before committing to lend money against it.
Even when there isn’t a lender, the above 4 searches are typically recommended: buying a home is a significant investment and searches reduce the risk of unexpected surprises after completion.
Environmental Search
An Environmental Search is a desk-top report of a property which reviews the effect of environmental factors on the property. It will reveal known issues with
- Flooding
- Pollution
- Ground Stability
- Contamination of Land
- Radon Gas Levels
- Coal Mining
- Transport
It will also reveal decided Planning Applications within 125-750m of the property and existing, or planned, Wind Turbines, Solar Farms and Fracking.
This list is not exhaustive.
The Local Authority Search
The Local Authority Search provides information kept by the Council about the property, such as
- Planning permission applications for the property, both granted and refused as well as conditions imposed
- Building regulation approvals in respect of works carried out to the property
- Whether the property is a listed building
- Whether the property is subject to a Tree Preservation Order
- Whether the property is in a designated area such as within a Conservation Area or an Area of Special Control of Advertisements
- Whether roads adjourning the property are private, or are maintained at public expense
- Whether the Council has issued any notices in respect of the property
This list is not exhaustive.
Water and Drainage Search
A Water and Drainage Search provides key information about whether a property is connected to public water and sewerage systems. It also reveals whether public sewers or drains are within the boundary of a property. This is important because if public systems have been built over, consent from the relevant water authority is often required. The search will also provide information on water quality and highlight whether there are any records of water pressure problems.
Chancel Search
Chancel Repair Liability is an ancient liability, requiring owners of land or a property to financially contribute to the upkeep and maintenance of local parish churches. A Chancel Search will reveal whether a property has potential liability to contribute.
If potential liability if identified, indemnity insurance to protect against the risk of enforcement is usually available at low cost.
If you are thinking of buying a home and would like to discuss the process with a member of our conveyancing team, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
How we can help
If you’re preparing to purchase a property or simply want reassurance about the steps involved, our Residential Conveyancing Team is here to help. We can guide you through the search process, explain what each result means for your investment, and ensure your transaction proceeds smoothly and confidently. To discuss your plans or obtain tailored advice, get in touch with our friendly team today.
