Having an offer accepted on a property is just the first step in the journey to property ownership. Following this, various searches are usually conducted to gather important information about the property and its surroundings. These searches are required to help identify any potential issues or risks that may affect the property’s value. They may also highlight issues that affect your decision to proceed with the purchase. Here are the main searches commonly conducted when buying a home in the UK:
Local Authority search
This search is conducted with the local council to obtain information about the property and its surroundings. It is an essential part of the property purchase process. It includes details including planning permissions, building regulations, conservation areas, road schemes, and other local issues potentially affecting the property.
Land Registry search
A Land Registry search verifies the legal ownership of the property. It checks for any existing charges or restrictions registered against the property, such as mortgages or restrictive covenants.
Environmental search
An environmental search assesses potential environmental risks associated with the property. This includes contamination from historical land uses, landfill sites, or industrial activities. It also includes information about flood risk, radon gas levels, and other environmental hazards.
Water and drainage search
This search checks the property’s connections to mains water supply and sewerage systems. It identifies any issues such as shared drains or drainage easements. The result of this search also provides information about water quality and drainage infrastructure in the area.
Coal Mining search
The coal mining search is important in areas with a history of coal mining, for example the North East. It is conducted to assess the risk of subsidence or other ground stability issues related to underground mining activities. This search provides information about past mining activity, coal seams, and any remediation works carried out.
Some may see the searches as an area of frustration in the property buying process due to the time they take. However they help to ensure that buyers have a comprehensive understanding of the property and its surroundings. They enable you, as a buyer, to make informed decisions about property purchases, before the purchase is complete. They identify any potential issues that may require further investigation or negotiation with the seller. It’s essential to consult with your solicitor or conveyancer to determine which searches are necessary based on the location and specific circumstances of the property you’re buying. Although they may extend the property buying process, it is worth the extra time to be informed.
If you have any questions about the property buying process, contact us on 0191 491 4915.
