Property Searches - the facts

An important part of the homebuying process involves obtaining local land and property searches which contain crucial information about the property.

Land and property searches can be carried out by Local Authorities or by private search firms. Local Authority searches contain the most up to date and comprehensive information and unlike private search firms local authorities do not rely solely on indemnity insurance should a problem with the search data occur. Over 60 different searches are available, covering a comprehensive range of land and property issues.

Searches cover land information from:

• Local Authorities
• Land Registry
• Water Companies - drainage and water
• The Environment Agency - flooding
• The Coal Authority - mining
• The British Geological Survey - ground stability
• Speciality searches such as:
• Cornish Tin
• Cheshire Brine
• Chancel Repair
• Williamson Tunnels (Liverpool)

Searches also contain information about the local infrastructure and planning including:

• Highways agency - road building and maintenance
• Electricity - national grid
• Gas - pipelines
• Telecommunications - cabling
• Ordnance Survey - maps and plans

The current shelf life for a Local Authority search is, as far as solicitors are concerned, 3 months.

The average time taken to carry out Local Authority Searches is  5.4 days.

After August 1st, sellers will be required to provide a Home Information Pack (HIP) before putting their house on the market. At first, only homes with four or more bedrooms will require a HIP.

HIPs must contain a document detailing standard local searches, which include Local Authority Enquiries and a drainage and water search.