Property Survey and Searches

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Property Survey and Searches

A buyer needs to find out as much as they can about the property before deciding whether to go ahead. Although it is possible to carry out some of the local and visual investigations yourself, we would recommend instructing a surveyor to assess the structure of the house and its services.

The due diligence that a lawyer will carry out on behalf of the buyer will include searches. The decision as to what searches are needed will depend on where the property is located and any mortgage lender requirements. Common searches include the following:

  1. Local Authority Search
  2. Drainage and Water Search
  3. Environmental Search
  4. Mining Search
  5. Energy and Infrastructure Search

Purchasing a property is one of the biggest investments you are likely to make and should not be left to chance. As the buyer, it is important for your peace of mind to ensure that the correct searches are carried out for the specific property being purchased and that all potential issues are identified, highlighted and resolved.

FAQs

Can I rely on my lender’s valuation rather than instructing my own surveyor?

A mortgage valuation is not the same as a house survey and you should not rely on this. A full structural survey should be carried out to alert you to any potential issues before you buy.