Solicitor will apply for the so-called Searches. They will include, among others:
Local authority search – This is a search of the local land charges register held with the local authority (although some of this information is now also dealt with by land registry but separate from the legal title). It will record information about the roads/accessways to the property, any notices served by local authority and any planning or building regulation applications or enforcement notices affecting the property.
Drainage and Water search – This is a search of the water authority records and will provide details of which water authority deals with the water supply to and drainage from the property. It will also provide details of any build over agreements in place if the property has been extended over the existing drains.
Environmental search – This is a search of the environmental agency records regarding current and past use of the land on which the property is build and the surrounding area, and how that may impact upon the property. It will also give basic details regarding flood.
Other searches – Depending on the Location of the property these may be additional searches that need to be done for example mining searches.
Additional enquires may be raised if any information is missing or has not been fully addressed.
When the solicitor completes his checks and receives answers to all enquires, he is ready to report to the lender and subsequently steer transaction towards exchange of contract.
At this point, we should be sent a final statement, which will detail all fees including tax, deposit, and legal expenses. It is worth mentioning, that large sums of money should be transferred via CHAPS transfer which is quicker and more secured that standard bank transfer.