Property Searches - What do they mean?

Simon_G_2

I've just been gathering solicitors quotes for the legal fees for the purchase of the house I've had an offer accepted on, and as a FTB was just wondering what the different searches are and what they involve?

Some are self explanatory, such as Mining Search and Drainage Search, but I was wondering what exactly a Local Search and Envirosearch involved?

I was also wondering what exactly is a Chancel Check?

Thanks for any help

BitterAndTwisted

A Local Search is most probably to do with possible development and planning permissions in the area. Envirosearch similar. The Chancel Check is to do with the possibility of having shared responsibility for the upkeep of churches in the local parish.

hcb42

Local search - always assumed this was due to development which mght be going on. Equally would assume the envirosearch was related to potential environmental risks. Chancel is to do with whether there is a claim from the Church for church repairs, which might have been attached to your property!

SmlSave

A local search searches planning applications, roads, radon gas and a host of other things that the Council hold records on. You have to have a Local Search if you are getting a mortgage.

Environmental searches the ground such as...water tanks, petrol tanks if there was a garage there before, landfill sites etc.

Chancel is paying for local church repairs.

Simon_G_2

Thanks for all your replies - that's all useful to know

Cheers,
Simon

Richard_Webster

A Local Search is most probably to do with possible development and planning permissions in the area.

NO!!!!!

The local search only gives information about the planning permissions that apply to the property itself, not in relation to nearby land. It will give infomation about the planning policies that will apply to the property but again these will be little help to most people who rae not planning consulatants familair with the particular Council's polices. It does tell about definite highway proposals within 200m.

You can get more information about planning permissions on nearby land by having a Plan Search or Know Your Neighbour Search carried out at extra cost.

As to Chancel Check as there are some misunderstandings the company's own website explains what it does: https://secure.clsl.co.uk/contentmanagement/page.aspx?pageid=3&dropcase=1#