Understanding Conveyancing Searches in the UK
If you’re buying or selling a property in the UK, you’ll likely come across the term conveyancing searches. But what exactly are they, and why are they important? In this article, we’ll explain conveyancing searches; when they are required, what they are for and how much they cost.
What Are Conveyancing Searches?
Conveyancing searches are an essential part of the property buying and selling process. They are a series of checks and investigations carried out by a conveyancer or solicitor to gather information about a property and its surrounding area.
These searches are crucial as they can uncover any potential issues or risks associated with the property, such as planning restrictions, environmental concerns or outstanding debts. They also provide important information about the property’s boundaries, rights of way and any other legal matters that may affect the sale.
Types of Conveyancing Searches
There are several types of conveyancing searches that may be carried out, depending on the location and type of property. Some of the most common searches include:
Local Authority Search
The Local Authority Search is essential and provides information on planning permissions, building regulations, conservation areas, road schemes and other local issues that may affect the property.
Land Registry Search
The Land Registry Search confirms the property’s legal ownership and title details. It ensures the seller has the right to sell the property.
Environmental Search
The environmental search assesses potential environmental risks associated with the property, such as contaminated land, flood risk, radon gas and other hazards.
Drainage and Water Search
The drainage and water search reveals details about water supply, drainage systems and whether the property is connected to mains water and sewage.
Chancel Repair Liability Search
This search checks if the property is liable for contributing to the cost of repairing the local church’s chancel (the area around the altar).
Mining and Ground Stability Search
The mining and ground stability search examines the property’s history regarding mining, subsidence and ground stability issues, which can affect the structural integrity.
Flood Risk Assessment
This assesses the property’s vulnerability to flooding and provides information about the flood zone it falls under.
Radon Gas Search
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. This search checks if the property is in a radon-affected area, which can be a health risk.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
An EPC rates a property’s energy efficiency. It provides information on heating costs, carbon emissions, and recommendations for improvement.
Commons Registration Search
This search determines if any land on or near the property is registered as common land, village greens, or other common rights.
Highways Search
It provides details about public highways, rights of way and road adoption affecting access to and maintenance of the property.
Coal Mining Search
This search is specific to properties in coal mining areas and reveals any historical mining activities and potential subsidence risks.
Japanese Knotweed Search
This search identifies the presence of Japanese Knotweed, an invasive plant that can damage property foundations.
Planning History Search
The planning history search search examines the property’s planning history, including past applications, approvals, and potential enforcement notices.
Boundary Disputes Search
The boundary disputes search investigates any ongoing or potential boundary disputes or discrepancies related to the property.
Rights of Way and Easements Search
It identifies any rights of way or easements affecting the property, such as access rights for neighbouring properties.
These property searches help buyers make informed decisions and protect their interests when purchasing a property. It’s crucial to consult with a solicitor or conveyancer to determine which searches are necessary based on the property’s location and characteristics.
Who Carries Out Conveyancing Searches?
Conveyancing searches are typically carried out by a conveyancer or solicitor on behalf of the buyer or seller during the conveyancing process. A solicitor specialising in residential conveyancing will have the expertise and knowledge to know which searches are necessary for a particular property and can interpret the results to advise their client accordingly.
Why Are Conveyancing Searches Important?
Conveyancing searches are crucial for both buyers and sellers as they provide valuable information about the property and its surrounding area. Here are some of the main reasons why conveyancing searches are important:
Identifying Potential Issues
Conveyancing searches can uncover any potential issues or risks associated with the property, such as planning restrictions, environmental concerns, or outstanding debts. This information is crucial for buyers as it can affect their decision to purchase the property or negotiate the price. For sellers, these searches can help identify any issues that may need to be addressed before putting the property on the market, avoiding any delays or complications during the sale process.
Protecting Your Investment
Buying a property is a significant investment, and conveyancing searches can help protect that investment. By uncovering any potential issues or risks, buyers can make an informed decision and avoid any costly surprises in the future.
Meeting Lenders’ Requirements
In the UK, certain conveyancing searches are mandatory for many lenders, such as the Local Authority Search and the Drainage and Water Search. Failing to carry out these searches can result delays in the purchase process.
Avoiding Future Disputes
Conveyancing searches can also help avoid any future disputes between the buyer and seller. By providing clear and accurate information about the property, both parties can avoid any misunderstandings or disagreements.
Common Questions About Conveyancing Searches
How Much Do Conveyancing Searches Cost?
The cost of conveyancing searches can vary depending on the location and type of property. On average, buyers can expect to pay between £250-£400 for all necessary searches. However, some searches, such as the Environmental Search, can cost up to £100 on their own.
It’s essential to discuss the cost of conveyancing searches with your conveyancer or solicitor before proceeding with the purchase or sale of a property. They can provide a breakdown of the costs and advise on which searches are necessary for your specific situation.
How Long Do Conveyancing Searches Take?
The time it takes to complete conveyancing searches can vary depending on the location and type of property. On average, searches can take between 2-3 weeks to complete, but this can be longer if there are any delays or complications.
It’s essential to factor in the time it takes to complete conveyancing searches when planning your property purchase or sale. It’s also crucial to communicate with your conveyancer or solicitor regularly to ensure the conveyancing process is moving along smoothly.
Do I need conveyancing searches when buying a house for cash?
While it’s not a legal requirement to conduct conveyancing searches when buying a property with cash, it is highly recommended. These searches help identify any potential issues or risks associated with the property, allowing you to make an informed decision and avoid any costly surprises in the future. Additionally, if you plan to sell the property in the future, having these searches on record can provide peace of mind to potential buyers.
Are conveyancing searches required on every type of property conveyance?
Conveyancing searches are not always necessary during the conveyancing process especially when the process relates to remortgage or equity release. In all other circumstances where the purchase is being financed by a mortgage the searches will be a requirement of the lender and that rule will apply regardless of whether the property is a freehold, leasehold, new build, right to buy or shared ownership. Cash buyers may decide to omit searches from the conveyancing process, but this is a risky strategy.
Buying or Selling Property? Please Get in Touch
Based in the centre of St Albans City but providing residential conveyancing services across the UK, our team can help you with your property transaction with a level of client care not offered by many conveyancing firms. We can’t always guarantee you’ll get the outcome you want, but we can make sure you get the best possible service and advice. Over the last 50 years we have built an enviable reputation – but don’t just take our word for it, take a look at what our clients say about us in our testimonials.
Please get in touch via the contact form or call us on 01727 869 293. (If you telephone us your call will be answered by a real person no recorded voice saying press this and that number).
