By Isle of Wight Observer
Property searches are a key part of the conveyancing process that can uncover important legal information about the property. This information can then help you make an informed decision about whether to proceed with buying the property or not.
The three main searches when buying a house are Local Authority Searches, Drainage and Water Searches, and Environmental Searches. Your conveyancer will carry out these searches on your behalf.
Local Authority Searches
These searches are conducted by the local council. They provide beneficial information about the area around the property and any issues that could affect the buyer’s use of the property, such as planning permissions, public rights of way, and conservation areas.
Drainage and Water Searches
These searches provide vital information about the property’s connection to public water and sewer systems, the location of public pipes, and whether the property is subject to any build over agreement or other drainage issues.
Environmental Searches
These are important for identifying any possible environmental risks or hazards that could affect the property’s safety, value, and future use. They can uncover risks such as contaminated land, subsidence, radon gas, flood and climate risks.
Land Registry Searches
Searches are also carried out at the Land Registry to confirm the property’s legal ownership, the position with any mortgages/charges as well as a general indication of the position of the legal boundaries.
Who pays for searches on a property?
If you’re buying a property, you will pay for the searches to be carried out by your conveyancer. The cost of the searches can vary depending on your location, but your conveyancer will advise you on this. Search costs typically come under ‘disbursements’ when paying your conveyancing fees – these are the fees incurred by the conveyancer on your behalf.