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
- Enforcement notices
- Road schemes
- Where the drains are situated
- Environmental hazards
They form a crucial safety net, with the aim of protecting you from unexpected costs or complications later down the line.
Why Searches Are Important
Property searches allow you to make informed decisions with clarity.
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
- Enforcement notices
- Land designation i.e. green belt
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
- Climate change risks
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 sewerage
- Whether any pipes cross the property
- Whether there are any build over agreements in relation to the drains
A water and drainage search helps you understand how a property is supplied with water, where sewers run, and whether anything underground could limit future extensions or cause unexpected costs.
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 the draft contract pack is received.
Additional Helpful Searches
Depending on the location and type of property, your conveyancer may also recommend:
- Coal searches to check for past underground coal mining that could cause subsidence
- Utilities searches if land is being purchased for development
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.