Conveyancing searches are an essential part of buying a property. These searches can be very revealing and the results of searches could help you to avoid making a very expensive mistake.
The key conveyancing searches every buyer should know
The Local Authority Search
This is a data based search with no physical examination of the property. A search is made of the Land Charges (existing obligations and restrictions) Register and enquiries are made of the Local Authority. This search will reveal information such as whether adjoining roads and footpaths are publicly maintained, whether there are any planning decisions that affect the property and whether the property sits in a conservation area.
The Water and Drainage Search
The water & drainage search covers all things water related, including sewage disposal and water supply. It will reveal whether the property is connected for both water and sewage, as well as whether there are any public sewers, either within the boundaries of the property or nearby – if there are this could affect your ability to carry out future work.
The Environmental Search
Most environmental issues aren’t visible to the naked eye, which is why the Environmental Search is such a crucial part of the purchasing process. This search will show up any risks to the property or within 500 metres of it. That could include landslides or landfill, flooding, subsidence, waste sites and any areas of potential contamination.
Other conveyancing searches to consider
While the Local Authority, Drainage and Environmental searches are the main three, depending on the property and location there are also other searches that you may need to include.
The Flood Report
This will give you information on flooding in the area, including whether the property you’re looking to purchase has been flooded in the last 75 years.
The Coal Mining & Brine Search
If you are in an area where there may have been coal mining in the past then this search is essential. It will reveal coal or brine mining works or entrances, whether there have been works there in the past and whether any compensation has been paid to past owners of the property for issues such as subsidence.
The Commons Registration Search
If the property you’re interested in is built on previously undeveloped land, abuts a village green or common land or there is a verge slip between the property and a public highway then the Commons search is essential. This will highlight whether anyone else has rights over the land and whether you must pay to use it.
A Plan Search
If you want to make sure that the property you’re considering isn’t about to have a large development next door, you need this search! This will show you a list of nearby planning applications that may affect your property in the future.
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