Question 1

I am a buyer, can I buy my property searches from you?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. You are the reason why we founded the business. Too many buyers are still being kept in the dark and not seeing the results of their property searches until far too late in the transaction. We help people see an environmental report within hours of ordering and the Drainage & Water Report and Local Authority Search follows on. We deliver them to you and your conveyancer by email as they complete.

Question 2

Will I be paying for my Property Searches twice as my conveyancer / solicitor is in funds?

Accepted Answer

Chances are your conveyancer has not placed an order for your Local Authority Search yet. They usually wait for several weeks before getting a search order placed. If you wish to get in the driving seat and have a direct relationship with us and your search results then ensure that you tell your conveyancer that you will be placing the order yourself and that they are not instructed to buy searches on your behalf. Your reports will be sent to you and your conveyancer as they complete so that they can be used for the conveyancing process. Importantly, we are on hand to answer any questions that you may have about your results.

Question 3

What is a Local Authority Search and why do I need one?

Accepted Answer

Essentially a Local Authority Search is a vital part of the conveyancing (Home Buying) process. They can reveal information that may lead you to renegotiate your offer or even withdraw altogether. They are always required by your mortgage lender. A Local Authority Search comes in two parts, an LLC1 and a CON29. The LLC1 is the Local Land Charges Register search which covers any planning agreements, enforcement notices, listed buildings information, light obstruction notices, aviation, financial charges or restrictions associated with the land or property itself. The CON29 provides information relating to Public Highways, and any proposed rail routes, planning decisions or new roads that could affect the property, as well as any breaches of planning permissions or building regulations, outstanding statutory notices or the existence of a compulsory purchase order.

Question 4

How long does a Local Authority Search take?

Accepted Answer

Timescales for the return of a Local Authority Search can vary significantly across the country and be affected by the volume of transactions at any one time, how organised a Local Authority is and how readily they provide access to their records to Search Agents. Rather than just relying on Local Councils to provide their data, Property Searches Direct also deliver Regulated Local Authority Searches. These are Searches compiled by Search Agents, rather than Council Employees, who will visit the Local Authority to personally review the Local Land Charges Register and report on their findings.

Question 5

What other searches are obtained?

Accepted Answer

As well as a Local Authority Search, there are a number of other Searches that are obtained. These can include the following: Drainage & Water Search, Environmental Reports, Ground / Mining Search, Chancel Search or Chancel Indemnity Insurance.

Question 6

What is a Drainage & Water Search and do I need one?

Accepted Answer

A Drainage & Water Search is a compulsory part of the Conveyancing process when purchasing with a mortgage. It is also good to obtain when you are not buying with a mortgage as it will help you to know whether the property is safe from leaks, floods or damp caused by public waterways and drains. The report will indicate whether any public sewers or mains drains run within the boundary of the property.

Question 7

What is an Environmental Report?

Accepted Answer

An Environmental report will give you a better understanding of the risks being imposed on a property as a result of its location, some of which can adversely affect the property value and insurability and so are useful things to know when offering on something. These can include: Contaminated Land, Flood Risk, Ground Stability, Radon, Energy & Infrastructure, Other Influential Factors such as Sites of Specific Scientific Interest, Protected Areas, etc.

Question 8

What is a Ground Report?

Accepted Answer

The TerraFirma Ground Report is a best‑in‑class ground risks and liabilities report designed to enable Home Buyers to better identify, manage and resolve ground hazards. The UK’s history of mineral extraction goes far beyond coal, and the risk from historic mining and extraction of metalliferous minerals, limestone, chalk, gypsum, clay and brine, to name just a few, are also considered by the Ground Report, ensuring your potential exposure to all mining related risk is thoroughly assessed.

Question 9

Will these duplicate reports that my conveyancer might order?

Accepted Answer

No. The reports that we make available are the same that a conveyancer would order and the results are shared with them so that they don't have to order any themselves. When a conveyancer buys the reports they are using your funds, so you are well within your rights to buy them yourself when you are ready.

Question 10

When should I buy my Searches for a conveyance?

Accepted Answer

It is wise to get your environmental report as early in the transaction as possible so that you can ensure that you are happy to proceed with the purchase. The Local Authority Search and the Drainage & Water Report should be ordered as soon as a contract has been sent to your conveyancer.

Question 11

How can I find out about flood risks at a property?

Accepted Answer

Use our free‑to‑use Hazard Checker to see what environmental risks exist in the postcode area. This will help you to ask pertinent questions of the homeowner and/or estate agent that may or may not satisfy your concerns.

Question 12

Isn't all this something that my conveyancer will do?

Accepted Answer

If you wish to put your solicitor in funds and wait for them to order searches for you, you can. You will not see the results until they are ready to report to you and so you could be waiting until nearer the end of the transaction to see the results. If you don't like the results you will have wasted weeks, if not months, of time, let alone spent more money than you might have needed to.

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