Conveyancing Langport

When purchasing a house whether it is a freehold house or a leasehold flat,  various searches will need to be conducted.

 

If you are purchasing with the aid of a mortgage, it will be compulsory to conduct searches. However, if you are a cash purchaser, the decision will be yours. However, in order to have a full picture of the property that you are purchasing, it is recommended to have searches issued to avoid any issues later. 

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The main types of searches are as follows:- 

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Environmental Search - this search assesses the risk of flooding, contamination, subsidence, mining, radon gas as well as other environmental factors that may affect the property.

 

Water and Drainage Search (CON 29DW) - This search checks the property's connection to mains drainage and water supply. It also provides information on water authority responsibilities, water quality, and any potential issues. 

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Local Authority Search (CON 29 Form) - This search is conducted with the local council to obtain information on planning permissions, building regulations, environmental matters, highways (whether the road is adopted), proposed developments, and other relevant local information (for example Community Infrastructure Levy).

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Chancel Repair Liability Search - Please also note that it is important to find out whether the property in question has an obligation to contribute towards the repair of the local church chancel. A Chancel Repair Liability Search can be carried out to ascertain whether indeed such liability exists for the property. However, it is worth noting that the said search is more expensive to compare to merely obtaining a Chancel Repair Liability Indemnity Policy. Therefore, obtaining the latter would be more cost effective (it will cost around £17 which is at least 50% less than the Chancel Repair Search). If you wish to go ahead with the search and based on the search result it appears that such liability exists, then you will be advised to obtain an indemnity policy.  

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Mining Search - If the property is located in an area with a history of mining activities, a search is conducted to determine if there are any risks of subsidence or ground stability issues.

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