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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A quick look at the Flood Report from Landmark — a detailed, property-specific flood risk assessment for any residential property in England & Wales.
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.
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.
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.
A quick look at the Planda report, available to buy at Property Searches Direct to check the planning potential of your home.
An introduction to Title Guardian, and why Property Searches Direct gives these away to its customers to help protect them against property fraud.
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.
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.
An introduction to the Martello CON29M — why you might need one, and how it's a market-leading product in the sector.
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.
Buying your first home is one of life's biggest milestones — and it can feel both exciting and daunting.
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.
