Cash buyer - do we need a survey

paul2louise

My husband and I are cash buying a lease flat in a sheltered accomodation complex for his mother.
We live in the area and have viewed similar properties in this complex.
Do we need to do all searches. Can you choose to only do some searches

Thanks

Surrey_EA

As you do not require a mortgage you can choose not to have any searches carried out.

Speak to your solicitor about what they advise, and which searches, if any, might be appropriate.

paul2louise

They cant really advise but i am not getting the impression that its a 'must' more like if you want them.

davidmcn

paul2louise wrote: »

They cant really advise

Ask them what you're paying them for if they're not prepared to give advice about something as basic as this...

Surrey_EA

I would have thought they would be the perfect people to advise!

If that's their response to a fairly basic request for professional advice I might be considering a different solicitor.

paul2louise

They advise to have all searches but my impression is that some are more relevant than others, like drainage is likely to be dealt with by the management company that looks after the complex, local authority, roads, planning permission, etc is not really an issue. Coal mining ?

TBagpuss

Well, they can advice that the searches are not compulsory, but beyond that they can't really advise t it is down to how risk-averse you are, or what types of issues you (or your mother) care about.

However, you can ask them what each search covers and then make a decision.

For instance, the water search showing flood risk is relevant as you / your MIL will presumably be paying for, or contributing to, the cost of buildings insurance.