What are property searches?
When you buy a house, you’ll have to carry out a property search. In this guide, MoneySuperMarket explains how it works
Key takeaways
Property searches (conveyancing searches) are checks conducted on the local area of the home you’re looking to purchase, carried out by your solicitor
Property searches identify upcoming planning developments, environmental issues, and verify the seller’s ownership and is legally required for mortgage buyers; recommended for cash buyers
It typically takes 12-16 weeks, depending on the complexity and thoroughness required
What is a property search?
Property searches, also known as conveyancing searches, are checks carried out on the local area of the home you’re looking to purchase. Your solicitor will conduct a property search.
These searches will find out if there any upcoming planning developments, environmental issues and if the seller is the registered homeowner of the property you’re looking to buy. Property searches are legally required if you’re buying with a mortgage.
What are the main property searches?
Different types of properties will require different searches. For example, if your property is near a church you’ll need to undertake a chancel repair search.
Most houses will need to have the following type of searches:
Who carries it out: An environmental agency.
What does it reveal: This type of search will uncover any contaminated land, landslide, flooding and subsidence problems. This search will also let you know if there are landfill sites or gas hazards in the local area. If this search isn’t done, your lender might not confirm your mortgage.
Why it’s necessary: Environmental searches are crucial, because if you’re unaware of potential issues that could affect your new home it will be difficult to sell it in the future.
Who carries it out: Your solicitor.
What does it reveal: This search proves that the person selling the home is the legal owner of the house you’re going to buy. This is done by checking the ‘title register’ and ‘title plan’. Once this has been completed, your solicitor will register you as the new legal owner of the property.
Why is it necessary: This check is a legal requirement for purchasing a property.
Environmental searches
Land registry search
How much do property searches cost?
How much you’ll end up paying for your property search will largely depend on your local council. The table below provides a rough estimate of what you could pay:
Type of search | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
Local authority search | £150–£400 (varies by council) |
Environmental search | £50–£120 |
Water and drainage search | £50–£100 |
Chancel repair liability search | £20–£40 (if needed) |
Mining/specialist searches | £25–£120 (area-dependent) |
Title Register (official copy) | £3 |
Title Plan (official copy) | £3 |
How long do property searches take?
Some property searches will take longer than others as there may be more to uncover. However, expect the checks to take up several 12-16 weeks.
You could speed up the process by arranging your mortgage as soon as possible and sorting out the necessary paperwork beforehand.
Buying a property is an important financial decision, which will take a long time so don’t expect your property searches to be over and done with immediately.
What searches take the longest to complete when buying a house?
Conveyancing searches typically take between 2-6 weeks, but local authority searches often take the longest to complete. These searches can vary in time due to the workload and efficiency of the particular local authority involved.
What's the difference between a search and a survey?
A survey assesses the physical condition of a property, typically conducted by a chartered surveyor, to identify any structural issues or defects.
A search, on the other hand, is a legal investigation conducted by a conveyancing solicitor to uncover information about the property and surrounding area, such as flood risks and local planning issues.
Both are important, but they serve different purposes in the property buying process.
Do I need to do property searches?
Yes, you generally need property searches when buying a house, especially if you're getting a mortgage. Mortgage lenders typically require searches to protect their investment by identifying potential issues with the property or surrounding area that could affect its value.
Even if you're a cash buyer, searches are highly recommended.
Can you complete a house sale without searches?
Yes, you can complete a house sale without searches if you are a cash buyer, as they are not mandatory. However, searches are highly recommended because they provide crucial information about potential issues with the property.
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