Conveyancing searches are enquiries your solicitor will make with Public Authorities to give you more information about the property you are going to buy, such as Access Rights, Flood Risks and Planned Developments, to see if the property would be affected by any of these things or any future developments.
What searches are needed
Local Authority Search: This search cover, many issues, such as planning and building regulations; whether the road immediately outside your property is privately owned; whether there are any nearby roadwork or railway schemes that need addressing and whether the property is listed or in a conversation area.
Water and Drainage: The purpose of this is to make sure the property is connected to the mains water supply and if foul water and surface drainage is connected to the public sewer, the location of the water mains and if there is a public sewer within the boundaries of the property.
Environmental Search: This search will give you information about the contamination risk to the property from any nearby landfill sites; former or nearby current industrial uses, radon gas hazard, ground stability, and a flood risk rating. The search will give a certificate saying whether the search has passed or, if not, what further action should be taken.
Other searches that you might need depending on the location of the property. For example, properties in areas with a mining history require a mining search.
Planning Search: The Local Authority search only deals with the planning history of the specific property address and does not reveal anything about the neighbouring properties. A full planning search reveals the history and the surrounding properties and neighbourhood.
There was a law changed in October 2013 so that any liability should now appear on the title deeds for the property but there are still situations where this is not the case.
- Flood search
- Coal mining, brine and other mining searches
- Energy and Infrastructure search
- Underground railways search
- Development Assess search
- Commons Registration
- Disadvantaged Areas Search Relief
There are a great number of searches available, and these lists are not all-inclusive. Your conveyancer will discuss the searches that they think are best for your property.
The Cost of Conveyancing Searches
The cost of conveyancing searches can vary, although the average cost of some of the more common searches is:
Local Authority Search: between £150 and £400 depending on the Local Authority
Water and Drainage Search: £60
Environmental Search: £60
Flood Search: £24
Planning Search: £35
Chancel repair liability Indemnity Insurance £5 to £6
Buyers should budget between £300 and £400 for the searches, these prices can vary depending on the location and type of property.
Our expert online conveyancing solicitors have the knowledge and expertise to help with all conveyancing searches or any other part of the buying process. Get an instant conveyancing quote online on our online platform here: https://www.conveyancing-online.co.uk/get-a-quote/
