Importance of Property Searches in Conveyancing: Haunted House Hunts

In conveyancing and property transactions, an often overlooked but crucial element which can make or break a deal is property searches. Imagine it as unearthing the hidden tricks lurking in the shadows of the conveyancing process, quietly influencing the outcome of one of the most significant financial decisions you will ever make.

In this article, we will discuss what property searches are, the importance of them and how long they take to come back. Discover how our residential property team can help you today!

What are property searches?

Property searches are enquiries with public authorities to gather more information on a property, conveyancing solicitors carry these out. These searches usually include: local authority; water and property and environmental.

What type of property searches are carried out?

When buying a house, property searches will always be carried out to ensure a property is fit to occupy its new residents. These searches often include:

• Local Authority Searches: These searches involve gathering more details about the property and the surrounding area. This can include previous planning permission applications, local land charges, environmental concerns, road adoptions and building regulations.
• Water and Drainage Searches: These searches provide critical information about the water supply, drainage systems and potential issues related to these services for a property. These searches often include water supplies including its quality and reliability, drainage systems, legal and regulatory compliance and potential costs.
• Environmental Searches: These searches provide information of the previous use of the land and if it poses any potential environmental risks. These searches include historical land use, contaminated land, flood risks, radon gas levels, mining and subsidence issues, local environmental constraints such as nature reserves or conservation areas and planning permissions that may influence the property’s environment.

Why do I need property searches?

When a seller decides to put a property on the market, they are not legally obligated to provide the buyers with information that can be found through property searches. Therefore, when a buyer receives their property searches back, it is an excellent opportunity to review the properties history and constraints before purchasing.

Property searches are typically carried out before the exchange of contracts. Following the exchange of contacts, property searches can not be carried out.

How long do property searches take?

The searches on a property can take anywhere between 48 hours to several weeks to complete. The time it takes to receive the searches will depend on the property. Your conveyancing solicitor should be able to provide you with a timeline.

How can Taylor Bracewell’s conveyancing team help you?

Navigating the complexities of buying a property can be a daunting and stressful experience. Not to mention when property searches do not go as expected, that is why our experienced conveyancers are here to provide expert assistance and support throughout the process. With our expertise and personalised approach, our Doncaster & Sheffield Residential Property team are here to support you every step of the way, making your dream of homeownership a reality.

If you wish to speak with our Sheffield team, please call 0114 272 1884. For our Doncaster team, please call 01302 341 414. Alternatively, you can fill out our online enquiry form, and a dedicated member of our team will promptly reach out to you.