Do I need searches on an auction property?
When buying a house at auction, you need to have all the information regarding the property. Please remember, if you win on the day of the auction, you will need to pay either a deposit or a reservation fee. Any unpleasant surprises, which might make you change your mind later, will also incur financial losses.
For this reason, if the auction pack doesn't already cover searches, but your heart is still set on the property, it would be more helpful to order them in advance.
Auction packs often don't include all of the property searches you need to make an informed decision into the property you are buying. We can help order these for you and some are returned within 24 hours.
Auction Pack reviews
Fast Delivery
Qualified solicitors
flag any risks
Fixed
Fees
What do solicitors check when buying?
The first step when buying a house at auction is to instruct a solicitor. Unlike conventional methods of purchasing, for auction properties you will need legal help before, as well as after making your offer. A solicitor for auction property will be able to help with:
- 1
Auction Pack Review - Your solicitor will need to review the auction pack and make sure they don't find any issues, such as restrictive covenants, which would impact the way you are allowed to use your new property.
Ordering Searches - This is essential, as some searches can take a couple of weeks to come back and it is important you know of any risks before bidding.
Helping with all the legal work after you win the bid.
What should I look for in auction legal pack?
An auction legal pack will include information about the property, such as title plan and deeds, contract of sale, forms and searches. It will usually include the main searches, like:
- Local Authority Search
- Coal Mining Search
- Drainage and Water Report, and
- Environmental Search
However, a lot of the properties sold at auctions have either been repossessed or the owner has died and the executor is selling it. In these cases, there will be no information available regarding the house. If you want to make sure there are no hidden risks, you will need to carry out conveyancing searches for auction property. We can help you with that.
It is essential you instruct your solicitor to carry out these searches before bidding on a property. On auction day, if your bid is successful, you are liable to complete the purchase. Should any hidden problems be revealed in your conveyancing searches for auction property, you could end up facing serious financial losses.
Searches we offer | Cost | Estimated Turnaround Time | Order now |
|---|---|---|---|
SEARCHES WE OFFER Chancel SearchFind out if you're liable to pay for any repairs and upkeep of your local church. | COST £39 INC VAT | Estimated Turnaround Time 24 hours | ORDER NOW |
SEARCHES WE OFFER Coal Mining SearchIs the property located in a coal mining area? What risks does this involve? | COST £60 INC VAT | Estimated Turnaround Time 24 hours | ORDER NOW |
SEARCHES WE OFFER Commons Registration SearchIs any part of the property registered as 'common land'? It might be affected by public right of way. | COST £89 INC VAT | Estimated Turnaround Time 24 hours | ORDER NOW |
SEARCHES WE OFFER Drainage and Water SearchFind out if the property is connected to mains water & sewage and if there are any public pipes located on the premises. | COST £100 INC VAT | Estimated Turnaround Time 10-14 days | ORDER NOW |
SEARCHES WE OFFER Energy and Infrastructure SearchNew energy and infrastructure developments can affect the value of your property. The noise from windmills, for example, can impact the quality of day to day life. | COST £39 INC VAT | Estimated Turnaround Time 24 hours | ORDER NOW |
SEARCHES WE OFFER Environmental SearchRequest an analysis of all environmental risks, such as contaminated land, flood, ground stability and energy and infrastructure. | COST £59 INC VAT | Estimated Turnaround Time 24 hours | ORDER NOW |
SEARCHES WE OFFER Flood Risk ReportIs the property you're interested in buying at risk of flooding? Get a flood appraisal. | COST £59 INC VAT | Estimated Turnaround Time 24 hours | ORDER NOW |
SEARCHES WE OFFER Planning ReportThis search reveals what planning permissions have been granted on your property. | COST £69 INC VAT | Estimated Turnaround Time 24 hours | ORDER NOW |
SEARCHES WE OFFER Radon SearchRadon gas is very dangerous for your health. Find out if your property is located in a contaminated area. | COST £39 INC VAT | Estimated Turnaround Time 24 hours | ORDER NOW |
SEARCHES WE OFFER Regulated Local Authority SearchGet information about local land charges, planning applications relevant to the property, restrictions on permitted development, road schemes and contaminated land. | COST £200 INC VAT | Estimated Turnaround Time 1-8 weeks, depending on the Local Authority | ORDER NOW |
SEARCHES WE OFFER Subsidence ReportSubsidence can significantly affect the structural integrity of a property. Find out if your property is at risk. | COST £39 INC VAT | Estimated Turnaround Time 24 hours | ORDER NOW |
Frequently Asked Questions
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