Which property searches do I need?
There are certain types of searches that should come as standard during your conveyancing process. Additional searches may be required depending on your property’s location and surroundings.
Our guide explains the most common and specialised searches, so you’ll know what should be conducted during your property’s conveyancing.
Local authority searches
If you’re buying a house with a mortgage, then your mortgage lender will require this search. Even if you’re buying a house without using a mortgage, it’s still strongly advisable to carry out this search.
The local authority search relates to information about the property that you’re buying. It includes checking the following:
- Information on the planning history of the property
- Information on any planned road works or schemes
- Information on planning applications that have been approved or refused
- Information about public rights of way
- Whether development of the property is permitted or not
- Whether nearby roads are adopted by the council or the responsibility of the users
- Whether the property is a listed building and therefore subject to restrictions
Environmental searches
An environmental search looks specifically at the land the property has been built upon. It also investigates other environmental considerations that may negatively impact the property within 500 metres. Again, this type of search is usually mandatory if you are purchasing a property with a mortgage.
This search is crucial. Though issues may seem unlikely, the cost is minimal compared to potential expenses from environmental factors like flooding or ground subsidence. The types of information gathered using an environmental search includes:
- Flood risk
- Subsidence risk
- Contamination risk
- Landfill sites nearby
- Waste management sites nearby
- Disposal of hazardous materials nearby
Enhanced searches can reveal nearby planning applications, as well as telecommunications masts or transmission lines within 500 metres.
Flood reports are also available if you wish to move into a property that may be prone to flooding i.e. properties near rivers, lakes or the sea.
Water and drainage searches
This search will find out where your water comes from; how the drainage and sewerage systems work. It also identifies the mains supply location and potential planning issues, assessing any future risks to your property’s safety and condition.
Energy and infrastructure searches
Proposed infrastructure or energy developments near the property could impact its value. The types of developments that a conveyancer would check for in this case include:
- The HS2 high speed rail development
- Fracking areas
- Wind farms
- Solar farms
- Sewage works
Mining searches
This search is relevant if the property is in a former or planned mining area.
Mining searches are necessary due to potential subsidence, gas emissions, or water contamination in mining areas.
Excavated tunnels beneath the property could pose stability risks for the property, the land, and future developments.
Types of mining which this applies to are: coal mining, clay mining and tin mining.
Chancel repair liability searches
Chancel repair costs involve parish inhabitants contributing to the local church’s upkeep.
Properties on ‘rectorial land’ can face significant repair costs, though large claims are rare.
If chancel repair liability applies, you can usually get insurance to cover potential payments to the church.
Land registry searches
This final search protects you and your lender for 30 days from other interests in the property, ensuring smooth registration of ownership and the mortgage.
It also reveals any new registrations against the property since the original title, such as a second mortgage, which we can ensure is discharged on completion.
Advice about property searches
If you’re buying a house and want to make sure that all of the necessary searches are being carried out, then ask! A conveyancer is unlikely to reject a search request unless it’s completely unnecessary.
For further help and advice on property searches, contact our conveyancing solicitors on 03456 465 465 or email enquiries@rotherabray.co.uk
Disclaimer: This blog is for information only and does not constitute legal advice. If you need legal advice please contact us on 03456 465 465 or email enquiries@rotherabray.co.uk to get tailored advice specific to your circumstances from our qualified lawyers.
