Conveyancing Searches - do I need them?

Qedis

I'm buying a leasehold flat in a relatively new development (6 years old), off the original builder / landlord. There are many other flats also being sold, many already sold. The development is clearly of good quality, and there are offices of many multinationals within walking distance.

Do I need carry out the searches that solicitors do, as part of the conveyancing? I'm less concerned about the cost, but more about the time it might take - I was recently gazumped, so want to avoid any unneccessary delay.

Thanks

ceh209

Do you need a mortgage? If so, you will have to have searches. No mortgage company would lend without them.

If you don't need a mortgage, there is no legal requirement to have them, but I would seriously, strongly, absolutely advise in no uncertain terms that you have them.