Have you ever wondered what solicitors mean when they say they are raising Searches?

We all seem to need them, but why? 

Property Searches are enquiries that your solicitor will raise during the conveyancing process, in order to find out more information about the property you are purchasing. They typically include aspects such as whether planning permission may be granted for a future development that would negatively impact your property, the quality of the ground on which your house is built or details of common drains and access rights.

Did you know that as a home owner in certain parts of the UK, you may even be responsible for funding the upkeep of your local Church!?

Before you exchange contracts and legally commit to purchasing the property, make sure to carry out the following to make sure your dream home doesn't end up being the biggest mistake you have ever made.

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Local Authority search - This will give you information on a number of different areas; planning issues, roadworks, the proximity of railway or tube lines, and whether the property is listed or is situated in a conservation area.

Drainage and water search - This will reveal matters such as the proximity of public sewers, whether there is a sewer running through the boundaries of your property, whether the property is connected to the main water supply, whether dirty water and surface drainage from the property drain into a public sewer and the location of the water mains.

Environmental search – Your conveyancer must make an assessment as to whether land contamination is an issue. Care must be taken to make sure environmental issues are considered where necessary, for example, if it is known that there is a landfill site nearby.

Planning search – This search will enable you to find out information about possible development near the property you are thinking of buying.

Flood risk report – This will tell you what level of risk there is that the property might be susceptible to flooding. It takes into account risks from surface water, groundwater, coastal and river flooding. The report also tells you whether it is likely that the property will be insurable against on normal terms.

Chancel liability search – If the property is situated near to a church, a chancel liability search should be carried out. The deeds will often reveal whether the owner is liable to contribute towards church repairs. However, this is not always the case and in the first instance, the seller should be asked this question when initial enquiries are made as chancel repairs can be very costly.

Land registry search – Your conveyancer will need to prove that the property seller is the legal owner of the property you are buying. They do this by checking the 'title register' and 'title plan' at the Land Registry.