How long do searches take?

black-saturn

Debt_Free_Chick wrote:

Could you explain how and where please?

I'm sorry I can't find the link now but there was a site on here a couple of days ago where you could do your own search by putting your postcode in. I can't find the thread now though :mad:

Debt_Free_Chick

black-saturn wrote:

I'm sorry I can't find the link now but there was a site on here a couple of days ago where you could do your own search by putting your postcode in. I can't find the thread now though :mad:

Do you mean this one?

That links to a site with this warning

"Please note the results given are indicative to a postcode only. For a site specific report on your house, ask your solicitor to order a Homecheck Professional report"

For my postcode, the planning report states that the most recent small planning application was for an agricultural barn in 2003. Despite the fact that I had a planning application approved in January this year!

This area has been farmed for hundreds of years - yet the report tells me that there is a history of "industrial use"

Sorry - but I would not rely on that "free" check at all. Others should research that site before they decide whether or not to rely on it.

AndrewSmith

Depends from council to council.

Average is anywhere from 3-8 weeks.

black-saturn

When I had the search done on this house the solicitor just printed out a page from a site like that one. Except I'd paid him to do something I could have done in 2 minutes.

MegS

If you are having a mortgage then you must remember that the solicitor is acting for the lender as well as you. The CML Handbook will tell you if what searches the solicitor needs to do for your lender. In some cases you only need a local authority search doing and can give instructions to your solicitor to not bother about the environmental or drainage searches which saves you about £50 or thereabouts.

[Deleted User]

Spoke to my solicitor today, he said it'd take a week. Yay. I should think so for 300 quid. How much did your searches cost?

Victoria_Falls

What searches are you getting for the £300? I would expect the full shebang for the that price!

tifnstav

different sols ask for different amounts up front - i've heard of £195 to £250 but never £300.
this is just an initial payment of money on account, the searches might be more or less, as costs depend on the local council.
the most expensive council i have come across cost £220! yowzer!
then you had coal drainage and enviro on top of that!