What Searches Are Done When Selling a House?

When selling a house in England and Wales, it is essential to understand the searches that buyers conduct before completing the purchase. These searches provide crucial information about the property, its surrounding area, and any potential legal or environmental issues that could impact the transaction.

As a seller, being aware of these searches allows you to prepare in advance, ensuring a smoother sale with fewer delays. In this guide, we’ll explain the key searches buyers carry out, how long they take, and how you can use this knowledge to your advantage when selling your home.

What are searches when buying a house?

Property searches are a fundamental part of the conveyancing process. They are checks conducted by the buyer’s solicitor or conveyancer to gather information about the house and the area it is located in. These searches can highlight potential problems, such as legal restrictions, planning permissions, environmental risks, or drainage issues, which may affect the buyer’s decision to proceed.

While some of these checks are mandatory for mortgage lenders, cash buyers may also choose to conduct them to ensure they are making a sound investment. As a seller, understanding these searches can help you address any potential concerns early in the process, making your property more attractive to buyers.

The 3 main searches when buying a house

When purchasing a property, three key searches are typically conducted:

1. Local authority searches

These searches provide detailed information about the property and its surrounding area. They cover aspects such as:

• Planning permissions and restrictions
• Building regulations compliance
• Conservation areas
• Road schemes and highways
• Tree preservation orders
• Compulsory purchase orders

This search helps buyers understand if there are any legal limitations or upcoming developments that might impact their property’s value or usage.

2. Environmental searches

Environmental searches assess potential environmental risks that could affect the property, such as:

• Flood risks
• Land contamination from previous industrial use
• Ground stability and subsidence
• Radon gas levels

These searches help buyers understand if their property is at risk from natural or man-made hazards, which could impact future maintenance or insurance costs.

3. Water and drainage searches

Water and drainage searches confirm how the property is connected to the local water supply and sewer system. This includes:

• Whether the property is connected to mains water and sewage
• The location of public drains and sewers
• Any water-related restrictions that could impact future extensions or renovations

Knowing these details ensures that the buyer is aware of any drainage concerns that might affect the property in the long term.

How long do searches take when buying a house?

The time it takes to complete property searches varies depending on several factors, such as the efficiency of local authorities and the complexity of the property. Generally, the estimated timeframes for each search are:

• Local authority searches: Typically take between 1 to 6 weeks, though some councils process them more quickly than others.
• Environmental searches: Usually completed within 1 to 2 weeks.
• Water and drainage searches: Typically take 1 to 2 weeks.

If any issues arise during these searches, they may require further investigation, potentially leading to delays. Sellers can speed up the process by addressing any known concerns before listing the property for sale.

Why should sellers be proactive about searches?

Sellers who take a proactive approach to property searches can significantly reduce the likelihood of delays and deal collapses. By obtaining key searches in advance or being prepared to answer buyer queries, sellers can:

• Identify and resolve issues early: If potential issues are uncovered, sellers can take steps to rectify them before they become obstacles.
• Increase buyer confidence: Buyers are more likely to proceed quickly if they have full transparency about the property.
• Speed up the sale process: Reducing the time spent waiting for search results can help complete transactions faster, which is particularly useful for those looking to sell their house quickly.

How Sell House Fast can help

At Sell House Fast, we understand that selling a house can be stressful, especially when facing delays caused by property searches. Our expert team specialises in buying properties quickly and efficiently, allowing sellers to bypass many of the traditional delays associated with selling on the open market.

• No need for lengthy searches: We purchase properties directly, eliminating the need for extensive buyer searches.
• Fast sale completion: Our process allows sellers to complete sales in as little as 7 days, avoiding the typical waiting times associated with property transactions.
• Hassle-free experience: We handle all legal aspects of the sale, making the process straightforward and stress-free for sellers.

If you’re looking to sell your house quickly without the complications of traditional searches and conveyancing delays, contact Sell House Fast today for a free, no-obligation offer.

Selling your home with confidence

Understanding the searches buyers conduct when purchasing a property is essential for sellers who want a smooth and efficient sale. By being proactive, addressing potential issues in advance, and considering alternative selling methods, homeowners can reduce delays and increase buyer confidence.

For those looking to sell their property quickly without the hassle of long waiting times, Sell House Fast offers a streamlined solution, allowing sellers to move on with their plans without unnecessary stress. Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you achieve a fast and hassle-free sale.