Can searches be used for another property close by?

kettlefish

Hi all

So the saga of buying a house continues. We offered on a property in September and were meant to complete before Christmas. Now, 17 weeks since making our offer, we have been told that our vendors onwards purchase isn't ready! We are ready to exchange skce December 15th when we signed all papers.

If we were to pull out and buy another property within 100m of the first, would we be able to reuse the local searches we've already paid for (looking to speed things up and be MSE!) Obiously the ones for the actual house in question would need to be done and another survey!

Our current house is also within 200m of these two houses so we do know the area well.

SplanK

Why not ask your solicitor? They are the ones who will give you the correct answer first time.

phill99

You may well find searches are time barred ie they are only good for a finite period. Happy to be corrected though.

AnnieO1234

Do you need a mortgage? If not then take the risk if that's what you choose to do, and you may be able to get dispensation from the mortgage company to use the other search BUT the chances are it would be faster to just have a new search commissioned. Plus there's the possibility that if something happened in the future (old mining shaft opened up?) then there's the potential any claim would be knocked back.

I've known it happen where a capped mine shaft never appeared on a coal authority search, so even with the above they're not fool proof by any means but do cover you against insurers and the mortgagee. X

Mallotum_X

The Mortgage company may insist on searches for the house.

If you are buying without a Mortgage you dont have to have the search although they are there to protect you.

stator

I think it's very unlikely if there is a mortgage involved.

If you don't need a mortgage then it's your choice.

kettlefish

Obviously we will ask the solicitor if this is the route we can go down. I do find these "ask the solicitor" replies rather tedious as you could say that about anything asked on this thread, but thanks to everyone else who replied.

We don't need a mortgage and DH has lived within 0.5 miles his whole life, and his dad for 40 years before that, so don't think there's much chance of a nasty surprise! However like insurance and surveys, I guess searches are something you pay for hoping it's a waste of money!