What are property searches?

Mortgage Broker Paul Tait @ Your Property Financial & Chris Barry @ Thomas Legal Solicitors
What are property searches?
Property Searches
Property searches are essential investigations carried out by your solicitor during the conveyancing process when buying a property. These searches provide crucial information about the property and its surroundings, helping to identify potential issues that could affect its value or your enjoyment of it.
Why are they important?
Property searches help protect your investment by
Identifying potential risks: Such as flood risks, planning permissions, or environmental hazards.
Uncovering hidden costs: Like potential future charges for repairs or maintenance.
Providing peace of mind: Knowing the property's history and its surroundings can give you confidence in your purchase.
Types of Property Searches
Common property searches include:
Local Authority Search: This provides information about planning permissions, building regulations, environmental issues, and other relevant matters.
Water and Drainage Search: This reveals details about water supply, sewerage systems, and potential flood risks.
Environmental Search: This checks for contamination or other environmental issues that might affect the property.
Land Registry Search: Verifies ownership of the property and checks for any registered charges or restrictions.
Note: The specific searches required will depend on the property's location and circumstances.
Who carries out property searches?
Your solicitor or conveyancer is responsible for arranging and interpreting property searches. They will work with various authorities and organisations to obtain the necessary information.