You will no doubt have heard of conveyancing searches but may wonder what is involved. Searches are so called because they involve a search of a set of records relating to a certain property or area which are held by the Local Authority and various other Authorities. All the searches listed below are this type of paper-based search, involving no physical inspection of the property.
Here at Penmans we use an online search facility connected to the National Land Information Service. This means we can offer a more efficient service and we can often obtain search results much more quickly, sometimes even within the same day!
The Local Authority search is nearly always required, irrespective of where the property is. However, additional searches are sometimes also advisable so details of some other searches are set out below.
Local Authority SearchThis is a search that is almost invariably required on any purchase of a property. It is conducted with the Local Authority responsible for the property. The cost of this search varies all over the Country but is typically in the region of £80 to £140. This search looks into such matters as:- · Road Proposals
· Adoption of the Highways
· Planning Permissions
· Environmental Health Matters
· Compulsory Purchase Orders
· Tree Preservation Orders
· Enforcement Notices Please note that the search only enquires about the property you are purchasing. It does not, for instance, enquire as to development in the vicinity of the property, such as adjacent vacant land or your proposed neighbour's plans! If you require the search to be extended to enquire as to any such property, this can be done for an additional fee. Please therefore indicate at the outset if you wish any such additional enquiries to be undertaken and we can provide you with an estimate of the cost. Alternatively, please let us know if you wish us to apply for a 'Plan Search' (see notes below). Environmental Search
Local Authorities must inspect and identify seriously contaminated sites. When a contaminated site is found, they can require certain persons to take remedial action. Liability falls primarily on those who cause the contamination. However, if that person cannot be found, liability falls on others, often the current owner or occupier of the land. Compliance can be costly, and may result in expenditure which could exceed the value of the property. An Environmental Search may be necessary to ascertain whether the property you are intending to purchase may potentially be affected by factors such as flooding, subsidence or landslip. The search provides information on these factors together with information regarding air quality, landfill sites, waste sites or contaminated sites near the property. This again is a paper based search and usually costs in the region of £40. Coal Mining Report
This report is only relevant in known coal mining areas of the Country, that is to say where coal reserves are known to exist or have been mined in the past. The cost of this report is £24 and is again paper based, not involving any physical inspection. Other similar searches are available, such as tin, china, brine and limestone mining. Please let us know if you believe the property you are intending to purchase falls within an area affected by these types of mining. Water Company Search
In some cases it is advisable to apply to the relevant water company for information as to whether the property is connected to the mains water supply and whether the sewers and drains are maintained and repaired by the water company or whether the owner of the property would be responsible for such work. This is a paper based search, and the fee for the search varies according to the water company responsible, but it is usually around £40. Plan Search
This is a report providing current and historical planning information. Plansearch goes beyond the boundaries of the Local Authority Search by providing information on planning applications and land use policies for the property and the surrounding area. The fee for this search is usually around £30 but in some cases a discount of £10 may be available when ordered at the same time as an environmental search. Floodplain & Landfill Map Search
These are two separate searches with the environment agency indicating the position of floodplains or current landfill sites on a map. Please note the result is based on the postcode for the property. Each search costs approximately £10. Chancel Repair Search
This type of search gives information on potential liability to contribute to the cost of repairs to the chancel of a church in the vicinity of the property. This is particularly appropriate in a village location or where there is a church close to the property. Please let us know if you feel this type of search is appropriate. The search fee is usually around £75. Telecommunications, Electricity, Railways & Similar Searches
This type of search is applicable where equipment runs near or through the property and is available with telecommunications companies such as BT, NTL and Telewest, regional electricity companies, Transco, Railtrack, London Underground, British Waterways Board and other similar bodies. The search result will usually include details of any relevant infrastructure and rights or obligations affecting the property. The search fee varies considerably so please contact us if you wish to apply for this type of search.
