Buying or selling a home is an exciting milestone, but it’s also a big financial commitment. Property searches are one of the most important parts of the conveyancing process, helping to protect you from hidden risks and giving you confidence in your move.
At Chapter Law, we break everything down into straightforward steps, so you always know what’s happening and why it matters.
The Role of Searches in the Conveyancing Process
When you buy a property, your conveyancer will carry out a series of searches to uncover key information about the home and its surroundings. While searches can add a little time to the process, they are essential for ensuring you know exactly what you are buying before you commit.
Searches help identify issues that aren’t visible during a viewing, such as:
- Flood risks
- Planning restrictions
- Contaminated land
- Road schemes
- Problematic drainage
- Environmental hazards
They form a crucial safety net, protecting you from unexpected costs or complications later down the line.
Why Searches Are Important
Property allow you to make informed decisions with clarity.
For sellers, searches can be a helpful way to spot potential issues early, avoiding delays or last-minute complications.
The Main Types of Property Searches
Here’s a simple breakdown of the searches most carried out during a conveyancing transaction.
Local Authority Search
Checks for:
- Planning permissions
- Building regulation approvals
- Road schemes
- Restrictions affecting the property
This search helps you understand how the area around the property may change and whether any regulations affect how you can use your home.
Environmental Search
Identifies risks such as:
- Flooding
- Contaminated land
- Previous industrial use
- Ground stability issues
These issues can affect safety, insurance premiums, or your ability to secure a mortgage.
Water and Drainage Search
Confirms:
- Whether the property is connected to mains water and sewage
- Where drains and sewers run
- Whether any pipes cross the property
Knowing this can prevent future repair costs and helps ensure the property’s systems are up to modern standards.
Land Registry Search
Verifies:
- Who owns the property
- Legal rights, covenants or charges attached to it
- Exact boundary information
This search ensures the seller has the legal right to sell and that the title is clean and accurate.
Chancel Repair Liability Search
A historic check to see whether the property carries a responsibility to contribute to local church repairs.
Although rare, it is still checked in some older parishes and can help avoid unexpected expenses.
How Long Do Searches Take?
Most searches take two to six weeks, depending on how quickly the local authority responds.
To avoid delays, your conveyancer will usually order the searches as soon as your offer is accepted.
Additional Helpful Searches
Depending on the location and type of property, your conveyancer may also recommend:
- Highways searches (to check whether roads are publicly maintained or private)
- Bankruptcy searches (to verify the financial position of the buyer/seller)
- Title plan checks (to confirm boundaries and land layout)
These provide a complete picture of the property and help ensure a smooth and secure transaction.
At Chapter Law, we specialise in making the conveyancing process as clear and stress-free as possible. When you instruct us, you can expect:
- Straightforward explanations, free from legal jargon
- Regular updates, so you always know where things stand
- Thorough checks and clear advice based on your goals
- A friendly, experienced team focused on protecting your investment
Whether you’re a first-time buyer, moving home, or selling a property, you can trust us to guide you through every stage with confidence.