Solicitor searches are necessary so that you can find out if there are any issues you need to be aware of before you take ownership of your new home. They are also required by lenders, who will want to be certain that there's nothing which could affect the property's value before they offer you a mortgage.

When should solicitor do searches?

Your solicitor will apply for searches when they have received the contract pack from the seller's solicitor and they hold cleared funds from you; this is taken from the £300 we request upfront. The standard searches undertaken are: a local authority search. a drainage and water search.

What happens when solicitors do searches?

'Searches' or 'property searches' are completed by your solicitor. They work with the local authority (and other organisations) as part of the home buying process. They use these to find out any information about the property. As well as any local development plans that may affect the home you plan to purchase.