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Property Searches are a vital part of the conveyancing process, helping buyers understand exactly what they are purchasing before they commit to a property.
For first-time buyers and people moving home, searches can feel like one of the more confusing, and sometimes slow parts of buying a property. However, they play a crucial role in protecting you from unexpected issues that could affect your new home or its value. WSP Solicitors’ Residential Conveyancing Solicitors have pulled together this handy guide on property searches.
Property Searches are usually carried out after your offer has been accepted and once a solicitor or conveyancer has been instructed.
At this stage:
Searches are not typically required when selling a property, but sellers are often asked questions that relate to issues uncovered by searches, such as boundaries, planning permissions or disputes.
Property Searches are detailed checks carried out by your solicitor to uncover information about the property and the surrounding area that would not be obvious from viewing it.
They help answer important questions, such as:
Without Property Searches, buyers would be relying on limited information – which can be risky.
Property Searches do not replace a homebuyer or structural survey. Searches focus on legal, environmental and local authority information about the property and the surrounding area – they do not assess the physical condition or value of the building itself. A survey is carried out by a qualified surveyor and looks at the structure and condition of the property, identifying issues such as damp, subsidence, roof defects or problems with electrics. While searches help you understand what you are buying from a legal and planning perspective, a survey helps you understand the condition it is in. For most buyers, having both provides a clearer picture and greater peace of mind before committing to the purchase.
This is one of the most important Property Searches and is carried out with the local council.
It reveals information about: Planning permissions and building regulations, enforcement notices, conservation areas or listed building status, proposed road schemes or compulsory purchase orders.
This search confirms: Whether the property is connected to mains water and drainage, who owns and maintains nearby pipes and sewers and whether any public drains run within the property boundaries.
This is particularly important if you plan to extend the property in future.
An environmental search looks at whether the land may be affected by: Flooding, contaminated land, ground stability issues, landfill or industrial activity nearby
Even properties that look perfectly fine can be affected by historical land use.
Depending on the location and type of property, your solicitor may recommend further Property Searches, such as:
These are not required for every purchase, but they can be essential in certain areas.
Your solicitor or conveyancer orders Property Searches on your behalf. The searches are carried out by local authorities and specialist search providers, who compile the information into reports for your solicitor to review.
Your solicitor will then explain the results in plain English, raise enquiries if anything concerning is revealed, advise on any potential risks and provide you with copies of the reports.
Property Searches can sometimes take longer than expected, particularly local authority searches.
Common reasons for delays include: High demand at local councils, staff shortages, backlogs or regional variations in processing times.
While waiting for searches can be frustrating – especially if you are eager to move – they are a vital part of due diligence. Rushing or skipping searches could mean buying a property with hidden issues that are costly or difficult to resolve later.
Property Searches are designed to protect buyers. They ensure you are fully informed about what you are buying and help prevent unpleasant surprises after completion.
They can:
In short, Property Searches help you buy with confidence.
If you are buying your first home or moving house, a good conveyancing solicitor will guide you through Property Searches clearly and keep you informed at every stage. Getting the right advice early can make the process far less stressful and help avoid delays. WSP Solicitors Residential Conveyancing team can help.
You can get in touch here or by using the form on this page. Alternatively you can call us on 01453847200
Disclaimer: The content of this website blog is for general awareness and insight. This is not legal or professional advice and readers should not act upon the information provided, they should seek professional advice based on their own particular circumstances. The law may have changed since this article was published.
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