What local searches are required when purchasing a property?

thelem

What searches are normally performed during conveyancing, and should I be concerned if I haven't seen the results?


We are using a local solicitor, their quote includes charges for "HMLR Searches" and "Local Search". We've been emailed things like the answers to enquiries and building control certificates, but I've not seen search documents, which I'm pretty sure I was sent before I signed the contract for our current property. When I queried if I should expect anything else like search results, my solicitor said they had sent "everything pertinent about the house". Is this normal, or should I be worried that my solicitor is cutting corners? Maybe there just wasn't anything concerning in the searches.



We are almost ready to exchange, and we've been asked to visit the solicitor to sign the contract. I just want to make sure we've done everything we should have before we do that.

davidmcn

thelem wrote: »

we've been asked to visit the solicitor to sign the contract

So, you can ask to see the search results while you're there.

G_M

When you researched how to buy a property, did it not explain the varous searches to you? Please don't tell me you are spending £X00,000 without understanding the process, or what exactly you are getting for your money!

A 10 second google found these explanations of searches. And yes, of course you should see the search results, read them, and decide if you still want to purchase.

http://freeconveyancingadvice.co.uk/conveyancing-searches/overview



https://www.reallymoving.com/first-time-buyers/guides/what-are-conveyancing-searches

thelem

davidmcn wrote: »

So, you can ask to see the search results while you're there.

I plan to, I'm just trying to understand what is normal before I do that, so I can ask sensible questions and properly understand the answers.

thelem

@G_M, you give some really good advice on this site, but why do you need to belittle people asking questions like this. You've clearly got loads of experience in property, but posters asking questions don't, which is why we are here asking those questions. Things that seem obvious to you aren't necessarily obvious to someone with less experience.


Yes, I've done research into the process, but much of the information I've found is vague or overly generic. That free conveyancing advice site looks really informative, so there's lots for me to read there.


I've also paid a professional (my conveyancer) to manage the process on my behalf. In general I should be able to trust them to know what is required better than I do. I don't want to kick up a fuss over something that doesn't matter, but I do if they've missed something important.

cybervic

I asked my solicitor why and what searches were necessary in my case, he explained what each searches were for and let me choose what I see fit, I went with his recommendation and have received relevant searches report back. He asked me to read them and let him know if I should have any questions. I would expect any solicitor or conveyancer to do the same should there be such request.

GM is always trying to help, I don't read any belittling connotation though.

Slithery

To answer the question in the post title - no searches at all are necessary to purchase a property. However, your mortgage provider (if you have one) will require certain searches.

JoJo1978

Just ask to see them when you visit to sign. The actual reports were a bit dry but our sol went through with us to the point we were satisfied that her reported conclusion of ' there's nothing of concern' was seconded by us having seen them.

JoJo1978

thelem, from memory they'll be one on drainage, key point do drains run under your intended property that water company may need access to.

Also where the boundaries are, who responsible, does anyone else have access within.

We were also told what we could and couldnt do to the trees, garden, exterior etc (property in conservation area.)

And mining... apparently there's an ancient law giving mining rights! But there's been no commercial applications for over 100 years.

Hth