House buying searches are formal checks conducted on a property before you buy it. These searches typically cost between £200–£300 and provide crucial information about potential risks associated with the property.
Some of the things house buying searches can reveal include:
Whether the property is on a floodplain or prone to flooding
If there are debts or liabilities associated with the property
Whether it sits above a mineshaft or other underground hazards
Planned developments nearby, such as roads, housing estates, or wind farms
Contaminated land from previous industrial use, including asbestos, chemicals, or pollutants
You’ll usually pay for these searches after your offer has been accepted and your Cardiff solicitor begins the legal process.
When buying a property in Cardiff, solicitors typically order three main types of searches:
These check for issues related to:
Planning permissions and restrictions
Building control approvals
Highways and road access
Pollution and environmental hazards
Environmental searches assess risks such as:
Flooding and floodplains
Landslides or subsidence
Contaminated land from previous industrial activity
These checks investigate:
Ownership and maintenance of nearby sewers and drains
Water supply connections and meter status
Location of public pipes, drains, and sewers on the property
Permission requirements for property extensions
If you’re buying a property in Cardiff with a mortgage, your lender will almost always require house buying searches. They need to assess the property’s value and potential risks to protect their investment.
If you’re buying a property with cash, searches are not legally required, but they are highly recommended. They offer far more detailed information than a standard homebuyer’s survey, helping you make an informed decision and avoid potential issues in the future.
For most Cardiff home buyers, paying for house buying searches is a necessary step in the property purchase process. Even if buying with cash, conducting searches can protect you from hidden risks, such as flooding, structural hazards, or legal complications.
If you’re considering buying a property in Cardiff and want expert advice, the friendly team at Fortis Estate Agents is here to help.
Call us today on 02920 561111 or email hello@fortis.homes to start the conversation about your Cardiff property purchase.
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