What Searches Do Solicitors Do When Buying a House

When buying a house in the UK, one of the most important parts of the conveyancing process is the set of searches carried out by your solicitor. These searches are essential because they reveal information about the property and its surroundings that might not be obvious during viewings or surveys. They help protect buyers from unforeseen risks and ensure that mortgage lenders have the details they need before approving the loan.

Why Searches Are Necessary

Searches are carried out to uncover legal, environmental and planning issues that could affect the property. Mortgage lenders require them as a condition of the mortgage offer, but even cash buyers are advised to have them done because they reveal potential problems that could affect value, safety or future saleability. Without searches, buyers could be left facing unexpected costs or legal disputes.

Local Authority Search

The local authority search is one of the most important checks. It looks at planning permissions, building regulations, road schemes and enforcement actions that affect the property. It also checks whether the property is in a conservation area or subject to compulsory purchase orders. This search is vital because it provides insight into both past decisions and future plans that might influence your use and enjoyment of the property.

Environmental Search

The environmental search assesses whether the property is on contaminated land or near areas that could pose environmental risks. It looks at historical land use, flooding risks, subsidence and landfill sites. Mortgage lenders insist on this search to ensure the property is safe and unlikely to face costly environmental problems in the future. For buyers, it provides reassurance that the land is suitable for residential use.

Water and Drainage Search

Another standard check is the water and drainage search. This confirms whether the property is connected to the mains water supply and sewerage system, and whether there are any public drains or sewers within the boundaries. This matters because the presence of public drains can affect building works, and knowing the property’s connections avoids problems with essential services later.

Other Specialist Searches

Depending on the property’s location, additional searches may be required. In former mining areas such as parts of Wales or the North of England, a mining search may be necessary to check for subsidence risks. In coastal or river areas, flood risk assessments may be carried out. Some properties may require chancel repair searches, which investigate whether the homeowner could be liable for the upkeep of a local church. The solicitor will advise which searches are relevant to the specific property.

How Long Searches Take

Search times vary depending on the local authority and type of search. Environmental and water and drainage searches are often returned quickly, sometimes within a week. Local authority searches can take longer, ranging from a few days to several weeks depending on the council’s systems and workload. On average, buyers should expect searches to take two to six weeks in total.

Conclusion

Solicitors carry out a range of searches when buying a house to uncover vital information that affects the property. These include local authority, environmental and water and drainage searches, with additional checks depending on location. While the process takes time, the information provided is crucial in protecting buyers from unexpected problems and ensuring the transaction proceeds with full awareness of potential risks.