What Conveyancing Searches Do I Need When Buying A Property?

• Published date: 15 May 2021
• Subject Matter: Real Estate and Construction, Conveyancing, Real Estate
• Law Firm: Keebles
• Author: Mr Mike Ramsden

Buying a property can seem like a daunting prospect and for many people it is their first and only time having to deal with solicitors. Whilst getting to grips with all the different aspects of the purchase process, below are some of the searches that your solicitors might refer you to.

What are Conveyancing Searches?

When talking about searches, we are referring to different kinds of checks we carry out on the property you are looking to buy. These searches will help identify problem areas relating to the property in order that you can make an advised decision on whether to purchase the property or not. Likewise, your mortgage lender requires solicitors to look after their best interests, and the conveyancing searches help us do that. It should be noted that these searches are NOT the same as a survey on the property and you still need to consider what level of property survey you require.

Local Authority Search

A Local Authority search (normally referred to as a Local search) is a check with the local Council to see what is registered there against the property. This includes areas such as planning permission applications, building regulations certificates and checking whether the road is adopted by the Council (meaning they will pay to repair it and that there are general public rights of way...