Do I have to read the actual conveyancer searches documents?

HarveyNichols99

England, FTB.

My solicitor has sent me a summary of their searches, along with the full searches documents. 

I understand and am happy with the summary. There are one or two issues which they'll chase up with the seller.

But am I supposed to read and understand the official searches document? They're about 150 pages and quite technical. Or is the summary enough for a buyer. 

user1977

They'll have highlighted the relevant stuff. Lots of it is just telling you about things which don't apply to the property. 

Schwarzwald

General principle of mine though:
never solely rely on your advisors, their incentive is different, they might be good, but humans make mistakes, a house purchase is one of the biggest purchases you do, dont rely on others to read the documents, always read them yourself, every single page. 

canaldumidi

How much are you spending?

If buying something worth, say, £100 there's not a huge gamble in not fully understanding what you are buying and what might be involved with the ownership. Most of us can afford to write off £100 or throw away the product if it turns out not to meet our needs.

But several hundred thousand pounds? I'd want to know everything possible about what I'm buying!

jst1986

canaldumidi said:

But several hundred thousand pounds? I'd want to know everything possible about what I'm buying!

Exactly this! The biggest purchase you will ever make, I'd want to know every single detail! 

hangryconsumer

Schwarzwald said:

General principle of mine though:
never solely rely on your advisors, their incentive is different, they might be good, but humans make mistakes, a house purchase is one of the biggest purchases you do, dont rely on others to read the documents, always read them yourself, every single page. 

The thing is that FTBs might read something and be concerned about something that a professional or an experienced buyer wouldn't bat an eyelid at.

canaldumidi

hangryconsumer said:

Schwarzwald said:

General principle of mine though:
never solely rely on your advisors, their incentive is different, they might be good, but humans make mistakes, a house purchase is one of the biggest purchases you do, dont rely on others to read the documents, always read them yourself, every single page. 

The thing is that FTBs might read something and be concerned about something that a professional or an experienced buyer wouldn't bat an eyelid at.

So you suggest FTBs should just close their eyes and trust their professionals?

I have a form of cancer and have very good professionals treating me. But I also discuss my treatment with them. Make sure I understand what the side effects might be . I read up on the treatment options, the pros and cons of each optio, and then, in conjuntion with my consultants, agree what treatment to pursue.....

lookstraightahead

Yes you should, and all the deeds. When I read mine it transpired that half of the land belonged to someone else.

why wouldn't you be interested in it? 

lookstraightahead

hangryconsumer said:

Schwarzwald said:

General principle of mine though:
never solely rely on your advisors, their incentive is different, they might be good, but humans make mistakes, a house purchase is one of the biggest purchases you do, dont rely on others to read the documents, always read them yourself, every single page. 

The thing is that FTBs might read something and be concerned about something that a professional or an experienced buyer wouldn't bat an eyelid at.

Why's that? I'm sure FTB are absolutely able to understand them, and act exactly how they want to, with the info.

Schwarzwald

hangryconsumer said:

Schwarzwald said:

General principle of mine though:
never solely rely on your advisors, their incentive is different, they might be good, but humans make mistakes, a house purchase is one of the biggest purchases you do, dont rely on others to read the documents, always read them yourself, every single page. 

The thing is that FTBs might read something and be concerned about something that a professional or an experienced buyer wouldn't bat an eyelid at.

That’s called learning, and you have to start somewhere.

I pay a solicitor not only to process the documents, but also so I can ask them (even the most basic) questions all along the process.

i dont need to be the expert, but i need to understand the principles IMO.

Noneforit999

You don't have to do anything.

Whether you should is entirely up to you.

I would probably flick through it myself and see if anything jumped out at me.