What Are Conveyancing Searches?

Conveyancing searches, also known as property searches, are crucial investigations conducted with public authorities to provide you with essential information about the property you intend to purchase. 

These inquiries can reveal important details such as flood risk, access rights, and whether the property is affected by any planned future developments.

Why Do I Need A Conveyancing Search?

While sellers are not obligated to disclose this type of information about the property before the sale, it's critical to conduct a conveyancing search to ensure you have accurate and up-to-date information that might influence your decision to buy the property. Furthermore, these searches offer a guarantee when obtained from official sources.

Carrying out the searches prior to the exchange of contracts allows you to raise inquiries with the seller if necessary. After the contract exchange, you will be left with no recourse if any issues arise. While cash buyers are not legally required to conduct searches, it is highly recommended. For those buying with a mortgage, lenders will almost certainly require certain searches to be carried out.

Which Conveyancing Searches Do I Need?

The three most common conveyancing searches required by mortgage lenders include:

1. Local Authority search: This search covers a variety of issues, such as planning and building regulations, road adoption status, nearby roadwork or railway schemes, and whether the property is listed or in a conservation area.
2. Water and Drainage search: This search reveals whether the property is connected to the main water supply, the status of foul water and surface drainage connections, the location of the water mains, and the presence of a public sewer within the property boundaries.
3. Environmental search: This search provides information about the contamination risk to the property from nearby landfill sites or industrial uses, radon gas hazard, ground stability, and a flood risk rating.

Additional searches may be necessary depending on the property's location and if any issues are highlighted by the first three searches. Examples of other conveyancing searches include a Planning search, Chancel liability search, Flood search, various mining searches, Energy and Infrastructure search, HS2 search, Underground railways search, Dev Assess search, Commons Registration, and Disadvantaged Areas Search Relief.

How Much Do Conveyancing Searches Cost?

It's recommended to budget approximately £350-£400 to cover the cost of the searches, but these can significantly vary depending on the location and nature of the property.

Conveyancing searches are an essential part of the property-buying process. They provide valuable information about potential risks and can help you make informed decisions about your property purchase. Engaging with expert conveyancing solicitors can help streamline the process and ensure all necessary searches are conducted.