Buying a Home? Here’s What You Need to Know About Property Searches
You’ve found your dream home, your offer has been accepted, and the excitement is building. But before you get too comfortable picturing furniture in every room, there’s a crucial step ahead: property searches.
These searches are an essential part of the conveyancing process and can uncover important legal or environmental issues that might not be obvious at first glance. At Burnetts, we believe informed buyers make confident decisions—so here’s what you need to know.
What Are Property Searches?
When you buy a property, your solicitor or conveyancer will carry out a series of official searches. These are designed to highlight anything that could affect your future ownership—be it planning issues, flood risk, or historic liabilities.
Some are legally required by mortgage lenders, while others are location-dependent. Either way, they’re there to protect you.
The Main Types of Searches
1. Local Authority Search
This vital search checks for:
- Planning permissions or restrictions that affect the property
- Building regulation history
- Proposed road schemes or developments nearby
- Enforcement notices or compulsory purchase orders
It can reveal things like unapproved extensions or large developments planned next door—details that might impact your decision.
2. Environmental Search
This search highlights potential risks such as:
- Flooding (from rivers, surface water, or the sea)
- Contaminated land (due to historic industrial use)
- Landslip or subsidence risks
Especially in countryside or rural locations like the High Weald, this is crucial to understand the long-term safety and sustainability of the home.
3. Water and Drainage Search
Carried out with the local water authority, this confirms:
- That the property is connected to mains water and drainage
- Who owns or maintains the surrounding pipes and drains
- Whether there are public sewers beneath the property
Why this matters: building over a sewer without the proper consent can lead to costly issues down the line.
4. Chancel Repair Liability Search
This less common, but important, search checks whether your property has any historic obligation to contribute to church repair costs. It’s rare—but still possible—and best ruled out early.
Optional Searches (Location Dependent)
Depending on where the property is located, other searches might be recommended, including:
- Mining or Subsidence Searches – useful in areas with a history of mining activity
- Flood Risk Reports – especially in riverside or low-lying areas
- Commons or Green Belt Searches – to identify public access rights or development restrictions
Your conveyancer will advise you on which searches apply to your specific property.
How Long Do Searches Take?
On average, searches take between 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the local authority’s turnaround times. Delays can occur—particularly during busy periods or if the search uncovers something that needs further investigation.
Choosing a proactive conveyancer and staying in close contact can help keep things on track.
Why Searches Matter
These searches provide peace of mind. They ensure you’re not walking into unexpected costs or restrictions that could affect your enjoyment—or value—of the property.
In some cases, searches may even allow you to renegotiate or, if necessary, withdraw from a purchase that presents too much risk.
How Burnetts Estate Agents Can Help
At Burnetts, we guide our buyers every step of the way. We work closely with trusted local conveyancers to ensure that all required searches are carried out thoroughly and efficiently. We’ll help you understand the results and what they mean for your future home.
Whether you’re buying your first home, upsizing, or investing in a character property in the High Weald, we’re here to make the journey smooth, transparent, and stress-free.
Still have questions about property searches or the homebuying process?
Our friendly team is always happy to help—just give us a call or pop into the office.
Sources Moving IQ and Really Moving