Conveyancing Searches: Everything You Need to Know
Conveyancing can feel like a minefield for homeowners. There’s lots of jargon and complicated legal processes. At Real Legal, we’re sharing our knowledge so you can feel more confident about conveyancing.
One of the questions we’re most commonly asked is, what are conveyancing searches? Conveyancing searches are an essential part of conveyancing conducted by the buyer’s conveyancer. Find out what conveyancing searches are and why they’re so important.
What are conveyancing searches?
Conveyancing searches are enquiries made by the buyer’s conveyancer with local authorities. These searches must be thorough to protect your interests. They can cover everything from environmental risks to planning permission applications. This will give you more information about the property and uncover any hidden issues. This allows you to make an informed decision about your purchase.
What is included in conveyancing searches?
Conveyancing searches are varied and far-ranging, but can be separated into three main parts:
Local authority searches
The local authority search consists of two parts: the LLC1 and CON29. The LLC1 relates to the property itself. It will uncover if the property is:
- A listed building
- In a conservation area
- Subject to a tree protection order
- Requires an improvement or renovation grant
- In a smoke control area
This can affect the changes you can make to the property. For example, if you live in a listed building, you may not be able to replace the windows if they are original features. This is important to know before buying the property.
The second part of the local authority search is the CON29. This is concerned with the local area. It will check if there are any:
- Proposal for new roads
- Planning applications that affect your property
- Nearby contaminated land or radon
This is equally important, as it can affect your property value. For example, if an industrial estate is being built across the road, it may put off future buyers. Based on this information, your conveyancer may advise you to reduce or withdraw your offer.
Water and drainage searches
Water and drainage searches will confirm whether any sewers run underneath your property. This is important in case there are any bursts or leaks, or if there is any maintenance which requires digging up your land.
Environmental searches
Environmental searches will uncover if there are any environmental hazards you should be aware of. That includes:
- Flood risk
- Risk of landslides
- Contaminated land
You will receive a certificate informing you whether your property has passed or failed the environmental searches. We recommend that you do not buy a property that fails.
Why do I need conveyancing searches?
Sellers aren’t obligated to tell you about any of these things. Conveyancing searches are therefore the only way to uncover this information about a property. That means you can make an informed decision about buying a property.
Conveyancing searches can uncover problems which could reduce the value of your property. If that’s the case, your conveyancer may advise that you reduce or withdraw your offer. Otherwise, you could lose a significant amount of money.
They also provide peace of mind. Once the conveyancing searches are complete, you can feel confident in your purchase and know that there are no nasty hidden surprises ahead.
How long do conveyancing searches take?
Conveyancing searches generally only take two weeks, while the complete conveyancing process takes around 8-12 weeks. However, sometimes conveyancing searches can take longer. This depends on how long local authorities take to respond and the complexity of the information uncovered. For example, if the conveyancing searches reveal a legal dispute, it may take longer as the conveyancers investigate further.
How can I speed up conveyancing searches?
The first thing you can do to speed up conveyancing searches is instruct your conveyancer early. That means as soon as your offer is accepted, hire a conveyancer. Then, they can start the conveyancing process sooner and complete it faster.
You should also choose a local conveyancer. A local conveyancer will have existing relationships with local authorities and understand how they work. That means they should get the information they need faster. National conveyancers, on the other hand, may be at the bottom of the list.
Finally, you can speed up conveyancing searches by communicating with your conveyancer. Get in touch and find out if they need anything from you to start the process. A good conveyancer should provide regular updates anyway.
Conveyancing searches are an essential part of the conveyancing process. They provide the buyer with everything they need to make an informed decision about the purchase.
At Real Legal, it’s our job to protect your interests. We will conduct thorough conveyancing searches, leaving no stone unturned. Our dedicated team of conveyancers will provide a detailed explanation of the findings and advise on the sale. Request a free quote today.