What searches take the longest when buying a house?
Purchasing a home involves numerous steps, including property searches, that can sometimes feel like they’re slowing everything down. This article delves into the main searches and which of the property searches takes the longest. Let’s dive into the details.
Understanding Property Searches
When buying a home, your solicitor or conveyancer conducts several property searches to ensure there are no hidden surprises waiting for you after the purchase. These searches are essential as they uncover potential issues with the property or its surroundings that could affect your decision to buy.
Some of the key property searches include:
- Local Authority Search
This reveals information about planning permissions, building control issues, or any enforcement notices. - Environmental Search
This checks for contamination risks, flood risks, and other environmental factors that could impact the property. - Water and Drainage Search
This confirms whether the property is connected to mains water and drainage and identifies who owns and maintains these services.
Among these, the local authority search is notorious for taking the longest. Let’s explore why.
Why Does the Local Authority Search Take So Long?
1. Complexity of Information
The local authority search is incredibly detailed. It gathers data on:
- Planning permissions (past, present, and future) affecting the property.
- Conservation areas.
- Highway schemes and proposals.
- Restrictions or conditions imposed on the property.
This level of detail requires local councils to sift through extensive records, many of which are not digitised and may need manual retrieval.
2. Variation Across Councils
In the UK, not all local authorities operate at the same pace. Larger councils with higher volumes of requests may take longer due to backlogs. For instance, a busy urban council may take several weeks, while a smaller rural council might process requests more quickly. It can take between 2 weeks and 3 months in some cases.
3. Seasonal Demand
Property markets often experience seasonal spikes, particularly during spring and summer. During these periods, councils face increased workloads, which can delay search results. Anecdotally, some buyers report waiting up to eight weeks for their local authority search in peak times.
4. Staffing Issues and Resources
Budget cuts and staffing shortages in local councils can also contribute to delays. If there aren’t enough staff members to process requests, turnaround times inevitably increase.
Expert Insights
According to Asiya, a property solicitor with over a decade of experience:
“The local authority search is a crucial step in the conveyancing process. While the wait can be frustrating, it’s essential for uncovering issues that might affect the property’s value or your ability to enjoy it. Patience and preparation are key.”
Get a free conveyancing quote today or read more about the 3 main property searches