When it comes to purchasing a property, one crucial step in the process is the local search conducted by your conveyancer. This search is carried out with the relevant local authority where the property is located and provides essential information about the property you are buying. In this blog post, we will explore why local searches are essential and why it is highly recommended for cash buyers to consider having one.
The main purpose of a local search is to gather specific information about the property in question. Here are some key aspects typically covered in a local search:
- Planning Permissions and Building Control: The search aims to determine whether any planning permissions or building control regulations have been obtained for not only the construction of the property but also any alterations made to it and that these are all correct. Ensuring that these permissions are in order is crucial to avoid any future complications.
- Property Restrictions: The search helps identify any restrictions that might affect future alterations or renovations. For example, the property might be listed or located within a conservation area, which could mean that it may require special considerations and permissions for any changes to be made.
- Road Status and Maintenance: It is important to check that the road serving the property is an adopted highway and is maintained at the expense of the Highways Authority. This ensures that you won’t be responsible for unexpected expenses related to road maintenance.
- Tree Preservation Orders: Local searches reveal whether the property is subject to a Tree Preservation Order. These come with implications regarding the management and care of protected trees, and it is vital to be aware of any associated obligations.
- Public Rights of Way and Footpaths: The search provides information about any public rights of way or footpaths that cross the property. These may not be recorded in the property’s title deeds, which means it is essential to understand any potential impact of this on the property’s use and access.
- Restrictive Orders: Various orders, such as smoke control orders, may restrict certain activities that can be carried out on the property. Local searches help uncover these orders, ensuring compliance and preventing potential issues down the line.
Most people purchasing a property will do so using mortgage finance, so the mortgage lender will require that a local search is carried out. If you are a cash buyer, it is your choice to get a local search or not. It is highly recommended that a search is undertaken to provide peace of mind and all of the above important information is made available to you at the time of your purchase so that you can make an informed decision as to whether the property is right for you.
If you resell the property, you may find out during the course of the sale that there are issues such as an enforcement notice for planning conditions that has not been complied with and it would then fall to you to resolve the issue which could be costly and delay the subsequent sale of your property.
In conclusion, although local searches are not mandatory for cash buyers, their importance should not be overlooked. Undertaking a local search ensures that you have all the necessary information to make an informed decision about the property’s purchase. It offers peace of mind, minimizes the risk of future complications, and can save you from unexpected expenses and setbacks.
Contact us today to receive a quote for a local search and to make an informed decision about your property purchase, email lisa.caporaso@attwells.com
