How a PLANDA report supports smarter home buying decisions for Property Searches Direct's clients
- daniel51440
- Sep 2
- 2 min read
Background
Many buyers begin their search with the dream of finding a home they can extend and grow into as their family expands. But success doesn’t just depend on the right property - it also depends on whether future renovations are realistically possible.
Through our collaboration with PLANDA, Property Searches Direct now makes it easier than ever for clients to get those answers from day one. By combining PSD’s wide search offering with PLANDA’s innovative planning reports, buyers and agents can move forward with confidence instead of uncertainty.
Market Context: Why Early Insight Matters More Than Ever
The UK housing market has become increasingly challenging. In 2024, almost 30% of sales collapsed before completion, nearly double the 16% recorded just two years earlier (The Negotiator).
At the same time, the average completion time has stretched to five months - a 38% increase over the past decade. In this climate, every delay or unexpected obstacle carries a heavy cost.
The Early Planning Insight
A PLANDA property report highlights critical planning barriers from the outset. For example, if a home being considered has a low probability of gaining planning permission, that insight is available before an offer is even made. Buyers can then avoid wasted expense and disappointment, and instead focus on properties that align with their long-term plans.
Real-World Impact
Property fall-throughs don’t just cause frustration - they are costly:
Around one-third of failed transactions stem from issues uncovered in surveys (The Negotiator).
Buyers lose an average of £2,727 per fall-through, contributing to a staggering £8.6 billion in cumulative losses in 2024 (The Negotiator).
Agents face average losses of £4,123 per transaction, along with at least seven days of wasted time (The Negotiator).
By accessing a PLANDA report early, buyers can protect their finances and peace of mind, while agents save time and safeguard revenue by focusing only on viable transactions.
Spotting Hidden Potential
It’s not just about avoiding pitfalls. A PLANDA report can also reveal where a property holds real opportunity.
If a report shows a high likelihood of planning approval for future extensions, buyers looking for a home they can grow into can move forward with confidence. Often, the report will also highlight wider development activity in the area — such as new schools, green space, or community facilities — giving buyers added assurance in both their future lifestyle and potential value uplift.
Takeaway
With fall-through rates at record highs and costs escalating across the industry, a PLANDA report - available via Property Searches Direct - is more than just a precaution. It is a strategic tool that protects buyers’ finances, time, and long-term plans, while helping agents focus on successful transactions.
Together, PSD and PLANDA are giving clients a smarter way to buy - and a stronger foundation for the future.
👉 To find out how a PLANDA report can support your next move, speak with the team at Property Searches Direct today.
0333 090 9187
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