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Our Video Resources

We've built a growing library of short, helpful videos to explain property searches and the moving process in plain English. Whether you're buying, selling or you're a property professional, there's something here to help you make more informed decisions.

Showing 26 of 26 videos

How do Property Searches Direct Help Home buyers and why buying your own Searches makes real sense.

Take a look at how Property Searches Direct can help you with your next property transaction. Take control of your searches, speed up your transaction and get information far earlier in the process.

What are Local Authority Searches and what will it tell me about my property purchase?

A Local Authority Search is a vital part of the conveyancing process and is one of the three required documents alongside the environmental report and the Drainage & Water report. They are always required when buying a property with a mortgage.

Understanding the importance of Search Turnaround Timescales and how it may impact your transaction

Knowing how long your searches will take is vital to hitting your completion date. A desired moving date is usually agreed during negotiations — but if the Local Authority Search takes far longer than expected, the transaction can be delayed or even derailed.

Regulated or Official Searches, what are the differences?

People often ask what the difference is between an Official (council-sourced) Local Authority Search and a Regulated one. Both contain the same information because the questions raised are required to be identical — the difference is who completes them and how they're priced.

What hazards might be under your new home? Visit Hazard Checker & find out for FREE today!

Our free Hazard Checker lets anyone viewing or selling a property find out what environmental hazards are likely to show up during the conveyancing process — before spending significant time and money.

What is a Drainage & Water Report, when and why do I need one, what will the report show me?

The Drainage & Water report is one of the three reports that you must have in place for a property transaction involving a mortgage. It is a key report in residential and commercial transactions and an essential part of the conveyancing process.

Can I buy my own property Searches online and which ones do I need when buying a home?

A Search Pack (or Bundle) contains at least the three reports that are required for the conveyancing process — a Local Authority Search, a comprehensive environmental report and a Drainage & Water report.

How to speed up your sale by getting yourself prepared straight away.

How do Property Searches Direct help people who are looking to sell property? How can they help speed up property transactions and better prepare sellers for the tasks at hand?

Buying Property with Cash, do I really need Searches if I am not getting a mortgage? Find out here.

We're regularly asked whether you still need searches when buying with cash. They aren't compulsory without a mortgage, but buying any property without the full facts is risky — searches can uncover problems that affect your plans, your enjoyment of the home, or its value.

The Ground Report mineral extractions has been taking place for 1000's of years, what's under yours

There are many perils that can sit beneath a property, and buying a home without knowing the risks simply isn't worth it. The Ground Report is an in-depth look at everything below ground — mineral extraction, coal mining, coastal erosion, natural ground hazards, subsidence, radon, mineral planning, oil and gas exploration and more.

Landmark Envirosearch Residential report including detailed flood data. Buy online today.

An overview of the Landmark Envirosearch Residential environmental report. It provides a contaminated land liability risk assessment under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act (1990) with a clear Professional Opinion of Passed or Further Action.

Landmark Homecheck Environmental report including detailed flood data. Buy online today.

An overview of the Landmark Homecheck environmental report. It provides a contaminated land liability assessment with Professional Opinion, meeting the needs of the Law Society's Contaminated Land Practice Note.

What is Chancel Repair Liability & Chancel insurance, when do I need to worry about it? Buy online.

Find out about Chancel Repair Liability Risk, what it is and what Chancel Repair Indemnity Policies are available to help protect you from possible claims.

Are you in control of your property purchase? How getting involved can speed up the moving process.

A short, light-hearted look at how taking control of your property searches can transform your move — getting you out of the boot and back into the driving seat.

Worried about flood risk? The Flood Report from Landmark will answer all your questions.

A quick look at the Flood Report from Landmark — a detailed, property-specific flood risk assessment for any residential property in England & Wales.

The Groundsure's Homebuyers Environmental report including detailed flood data. Buy online today.

A look at the popular Groundsure Homebuyers environmental report, included as standard in the majority of our residential search bundles. It reviews contaminated land, flood, ground stability, radon, planning, energy and transportation to give a comprehensive environmental picture.

How Property Searches Direct helps you move faster

Property Searches Direct was born out of a very real frustration with the way property is bought and sold in England & Wales. We created the company to make a difference and to help make the moving process more transparent, friendlier and more collaborative.

Estate Agents using Property Searches Direct

An introduction to the search service that estate agents can get involved with at Property Searches Direct — helping their buyers and sellers get information sooner and keep transactions moving.

Planda Report

A quick look at the Planda report, available to buy at Property Searches Direct to check the planning potential of your home.

Title Guardian

An introduction to Title Guardian, and why Property Searches Direct gives these away to its customers to help protect them against property fraud.

DevAssess Premium Residential Report

A quick look at the DevAssess Premium Residential Report, available to buy at Property Searches Direct to check the planning risks that could affect your future home.

DevAssist meets PSD

An introduction to Paul Addison, the founder behind DevAssist, in conversation with our CEO and founder Dan. A deeper dive into the products and why home buyers should consider them to make more informed decisions.

Martello CON29M

An introduction to the Martello CON29M — why you might need one, and how it's a market-leading product in the sector.

Move better with Property Searches Direct

Property Searches Direct help home movers to get information sooner, speed up their transactions and make more informed decisions along the way. Providing direct access to reports and a search expert to help answer any questions that people may have.

Tips for buying your first home

Buying your first home is one of life's biggest milestones — and it can feel both exciting and daunting.

A discussion about Up Front Information for property transactions

A raw, unedited conversation between our CEO Dan Hamilton-Charlton and consultant conveyancer Colin McWilliams. Having debated the subject on LinkedIn, they came face to face to discuss upfront information — Dan from a home-mover's viewpoint and Colin from a conveyancer's.