If you are requiring a mortgage in order to purchase your property, we will need to carry out certain searches to comply with your mortgage lender’s criteria. If you do not require a mortgage, we will take your instructions and advise you as to which searches we believe should be done to provide you extra security in your purchase.

The usual searches are:

  • Environmental search – looks into any history of flooding, landslide, subsidence and contamination at the property or land. Some environmental searches include limited information on nearby land;
  • Local authority search – highlights any issues concerning planning, building control, road network and pollution;
  • Water and drainage search – enquiries are made to the local water company regarding location, ownership and connection of water supply and sewerage and drainage system.

In certain areas of the country, additional searches may be applicable, but we will advise you of these separately where necessary.

A separate search may also be needed to obtain information relating to neighbouring properties or road proposals and traffic schemes. You should therefore let us know as early as possible if you have any queries concerning these matters and we will make the relevant additional enquiries upon payment of the appropriate fee.

Although your lender (if applicable) will have the property valued for its own purposes, you may wish to consider instructing your own qualified surveyor to advise you as to the condition of the property and the reasonableness or otherwise of the purchase price.

Even if you are not having a mortgage it is advisable to consider having a survey as, if you buy the property, you will be purchasing it subject to any physical defects which there may be and which will not be covered within our investigations.

How we can help

At Fosters Solicitors, we have a dedicated team of professional and approachable property experts who offer friendly and efficient advice. We have extensive experience in helping our clients purchase their property, and want to match your commitment to the process by providing quality and efficient service.

We make sure our pricing is clear and transparent and will make sure you aware of the cost of any searches and disbursements that will be part your property purchase.

Law Society accredited

The Law Society awards accreditations to legal practices and solicitors who meet the highest standards of technical expertise and client service in specific areas of law. We are members of their Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS), which is the recognised quality mark for legal experts in buying or selling property, and is trusted by some of the UK’s biggest lenders.

Our team were very efficient and helpful. We could always speak to someone in our team. They were very professional and made the experience less stressful.
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