When buying a house, searches are enquiries made by your solicitor to various authorities that hold information about the property, the land it sits on, or factors that may directly or indirectly affect it. Searches are necessary to ensure that you have all the information you need about the property before making a purchase. They are not always compulsory, but it is highly recommended to have them done to avoid potential issues in the future.
The types of searches that are typically done when buying a house include:
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Local Authority Search: This search is done with the local council to check for any planning permissions, building regulations, or other restrictions that may affect the property.
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Environmental Search: This search is done to check for any potential environmental hazards or risks in the area, such as flooding, subsidence, or contamination.
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Water and Drainage Search: This search is done to check for any issues with the water supply, drainage, or sewerage systems in the area.
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Chancel Repair Liability Search: This search is done to check if the property is liable for any repairs to the local church.
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Land Registry Search: This search is done to check the registered title to the property at the Land Registry prior to completion.
Your conveyancer will advise you on what searches are required for your property in its specific location. Although searches may add to the cost of buying a house, they are an important part of the process to ensure that you are fully informed about the property you are purchasing.
