Understanding Property Searches: Your Essential Guide to a Smooth Purchase

When purchasing a property, conducting thorough searches is a critical step in the conveyancing process. At Pierpoint Legal, we often hear clients asking about the necessity and revelations of these searches. Let's explore the essential aspects of property searches and why they're crucial for your peace of mind.

Understanding Property Searches

Property searches are detailed investigations into various aspects of a property and its surrounding area. They serve as a comprehensive background check for your potential new home, uncovering important information that might not be apparent during a viewing or even a professional survey.

Key Searches We Conduct

Local Authority Searches

These searches disclose vital information about the property and its immediate surroundings, including:

- Planning permissions and building regulations
- Upcoming road schemes that could affect the property
- Tree preservation orders
- Conservation area restrictions
- Any enforcement actions

Water and Drainage Searches

We verify whether your property is connected to:

- Public water supply
- Public sewerage system
- Surface water drainage

This search also identifies the location of public sewers near your property, which could impact future extension plans.

Environmental Searches

These investigate potential environmental risks, including:

- Historical land contamination
- Flood risks
- Subsidence risks
- Nearby landfill sites
- Radon gas levels

Timeline and Cost

Typically, searches take 2-3 weeks to complete and cost between £250-£400, depending on your location and the specific searches required. While this might seem like an additional expense, it's a crucial investment in protecting your purchase.

Our Approach

At Pierpoint Legal, we don't just order searches – we analyse them thoroughly and explain their implications in plain English. We believe in empowering our clients with knowledge, helping them understand exactly what they're buying.

Making Informed Decisions

Remember, property searches aren't just a box-ticking exercise. They're your insurance against future surprises that could affect your enjoyment of your new home or its future value. Our experienced team ensures that every search is conducted promptly and thoroughly, giving you the confidence to proceed with your purchase.

If you're about to start your property purchase journey or have questions about the conveyancing process, don't hesitate to contact our friendly team. We're here to make your property transaction as smooth as possible.

This article was written by the legal team at Pierpoint Legal. For personalised advice about your property purchase, please contact us for a consultation.