Buying And Selling Residential Property

Select An Area... What is involved: the Conveyancing Process? Selling A Property Buying A Property ----- Investigation Of Title ----- Why Do All Those Searches? ----- Your Mortgage When Is A Survey Needed? Finally On The Day Of Completion How Long Does It All Take? What Will It Cost? Fraud And Money Laundering Final Reminders

Why Do All Those Searches?

Over the hundreds of years that land and property has been sold and bought a large number of registers have been compiled which contain information that might be relevant to a property.

In the vast majority of cases the searches do not reveal any matters that might be adverse to a property to stop you buying it. Just very occasionally however we have had to advise a client not to proceed with their purchase due to some matter revealed in a search. The search process itself recently become far more efficient. We have an online connection to "Searchflow" a new national agency, which handles the complete process. As a result we are able to offer a very quick turnaround, with some results being delivered the same day by email.

These are just some of the searches that we might undertake:

Local Search:

This is a search with the local district council to see if anything registered with them might be adverse to the property. It will confirm for example:

• If the road outside the property is publicly maintained.
• If the property is subject to any planning permissions or tree preservation orders.
• If the property is a listed building
• If the local authority are taking proceedings for breach of planning regulations or building controls
• If there is a road widening scheme or other compulsory purchase that might affect the property

The search relates to the property only and will not reveal anything about adjoining properties.

Environment Search:

• If the property might be affected by subsidence or the effects of mining.
• If the property contains contaminated land.
• Possible adverse past and current land uses of the property.
• If the property is within a floodplain.
• If the property is in an area where radon gas is a problem.

We will forward a copy of the search result to you. However we are not qualified to advise upon it. Your surveyor may be able to assist if you have any concerns or queries in respect of any matters revealed in this search.

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The articles on legal topics published in these pages are for interest only and are necessarily general in their terms. You should not act (or refrain from acting) on the basis of the information given without specific advice, as the principles and laws concerned may change, and their application will vary according to the particular circumstances.