Which searches would show up 'under pinning'

Terrysdelight

Hi

Just out of interest, which searches show up if there are any problems with underpinning on a property or a nearby property? I guess this information would need to be officially recorded somewhere?

I have read quite a few posts on this forum and have now diagnosed myself as being totally mad! I've bought a few properties before at auction where you literally exchange then and there and I've never scrutinised the legal packs enough to know where to look if there was ever such a problem.

Obviously, when I view properties, I have a good look for visible evidence, but people can be quiet clever when they want to cover things up, so it would be nice to know where to look in the legal packs for the future.

Many thanks
Terri

Doozergirl

You mean if a property had been underpinned? I don't really understand 'problems with underpinnning'; if a property has been underpinned, there isn't a problem anymore If it had been carried out and assessed then it would appear in the local search under building regulations.

The local search only relates to the actual property. If you were looking nearby then you would have to commission an extra search at your own expense. Whether nearby properties have been underpinned doesn't tell you much - you can be attached to house that had needed underpinning but never be in trouble yourself. An environmental survey (not seen many of those in auction packs!) will detail the local soil type and whether it might be prone to subsidence. But it's very general - you'll find that virtually all of London is built in clay and therefore at risk.

But if it needed underpinning, which is a problem, then that's your own problem to look for.

And you are mad - I've never not had a solicitor go over the auction pack beforehand!

Terrysdelight

Lol - actually, when thinking about it, on each property I did get a solicitor to look through the packs before bidding. I still have a look through the legals when I'm at auction but I don't have a clue what I'm looking for - it's nice to try and get an understanding of the paperwork though.

With the underpinning - although it would have been corrected, the problem that arises in this market is that when you try to sell a property on that has been underpinned - lots of lenders just won't grant a mortgage on the property and also building insurance is just as difficult to obtain. So for me, it is best to stay clear of any properties that may have been affected.

Thanks for your advice - appreciated.