Searches - what do I need?

Paulaviki

Apologies for another FTB stupid question thread!

Had some paperwork through today from our solicitors confirming they have draft contracts from the sellers, a copy of title deeds and that a local search has been applied for.

They've then given us a list of searches and reports and asked us to confirm which we require (all at additional costs).

These are the ones I think we might need -
Water & drainage search £72 (Inc vat)
Environmental report £72
Planning search and neighbourhood information £56.40

I know we don't need -
Commons registration search £24
Coal mining search £74.40
Underground railways search £158.40
Waterways search £120
Tin mining search £86.40
Clay mining search - ask for quote!
Brine mining search £42
Limestone search - ask for quote
Rent register search £50.40

And the last one is Chancel repairs. I didn't think we needed this any more but it looks like this is an old form from the solicitors which might not have been updated since the rules changed in 2013.

So my question is, do I need to fork out £200.40 or are these unnecessary extras? The form does give the option to decline all of these.

Thanks!

davidmcn

I'll hope others actually answer your question - but is your solicitor really not giving you any guidance on which searches might be relevant? Or does that involve an additional "searches consultation fee" or something?

Slayerx

If your getting a mortgage with a lender they normally require as standard.

local, drainage and environmental I believe.

da_rule

In terms of mining, are you sure that there has been no mining in the area? Also, are you near any communal land/parks/village greens etc?

Paulaviki

@davidmcn - the form just gives descriptions but does state they recommend the environmental report.

@Da_rule - it gives details of counties where the mining search would apply and we aren't in any of them. The house is in an estate which was built in the 1990's and there are no parks etc close by. The only communal land there might be is a footpath which runs down the side of the garden between the housing estate and it goes up to the hospital.