What are mortgage searches?

Mortgage searches refer to the due diligence process conducted by lenders and solicitors to investigate the legal and financial aspects of a property before granting a mortgage loan. These searches are a crucial part of the mortgage application and property purchase process.

Mortgage searches typically involve the following types of searches:

Local Authority Search: This search is conducted with the local authority or council where the property is located. It provides information about various factors that may affect the property, such as planning permissions, building regulations, conservation areas, road proposals, environmental concerns, and other relevant local authority records.

Land Registry Search: This search is conducted with the Land Registry, which is responsible for maintaining records of land and property ownership in England and Wales. It confirms the legal ownership of the property, identifies any existing mortgages or charges against the property, and checks for any restrictions or easements that may affect the property.

Environmental Search: An environmental search is conducted to identify any potential environmental risks or hazards in the vicinity of the property, such as flood risk, contamination, ground stability issues, or landfill sites. This search provides valuable information to assess the property’s suitability and potential risks associated with its location.

Water and Drainage Search: This search is conducted to determine the water and drainage arrangements for the property. It confirms the water supply provider, sewage and drainage connections, and checks for any public sewers or water mains running through the property.

Chancel Repair Liability Search: In certain areas, particularly in rural locations, there may be a historical liability for property owners to contribute towards the cost of repairing the local parish church chancel. This search determines if the property is subject to such liability.

These searches help lenders and solicitors assess the property’s suitability for a mortgage, identify any potential issues or risks, and ensure that the property’s legal and financial aspects are in order. The results of these searches play a significant role in the lender’s decision-making process and the completion of the mortgage transaction.

It’s important to note that the specific searches conducted may vary depending on factors such as the location of the property, lender requirements, and individual circumstances. Professional advice from solicitors or conveyancers is recommended to ensure all necessary searches are conducted thoroughly and to interpret the search results accurately.