Property Searches in Stafford

Property Searches in Stafford

Once you have made the initial payment of £350 on account for property searches in Stafford, the searches are then submitted using a specialist search provider.  The search provider is well aware of the deadlines involved with a new build transaction and so they ensure searches are returned within a matter of days rather than weeks.

Searches are undertaken so that we can check that the appropriate planning permission has been obtained and that the property has been constructed in full accordance with planning and building regulations, and that the roads are properly adopted, and that drains and utilities are properly established.

The searches reveal the following:-

Local

Details of planning permission granted, whether the roads are adopted, whether the property is subject to any public rights of way, whether the property is a listed building which would prevent any works being carried out, whether there are any outstanding financial charges affecting the Property which you could be required to pay (e.g. for road works), whether there are any proposed road schemes in the area which will affect access to the Property. Whether the property is affected by Community Infrasture Levy (CIL).

Environmental

An environmental search would provide the history of the property and the surrounding area so that you can assess whether a full environmental audit is necessary (e.g. due to potential contamination, flooding or any other environmental hazards).  If any contamination exists at the Property then the local authority could serve a remediation notice requiring you to “clean up” the land. With Developments however as the Developer normally carries out remediation works as required for the purposes of planning and building permission NHBC will not issue the “cover note” unless the remediation works have taken place.

Coal

A mining search would reveal whether the property is, has been or is likely to be affected by any mine shafts or potential subsidence. On occassions where the property is affected by any mine shafts the lender may require a mine interpretive report and or confirmation from the Developer as to any remediational works carried out on site.

Drainage

Essentially, a water and drainage search is simply an enquiry that is made to the local water board to find out information about the sewerage systems and water supply to a property. It reveals information about whether the property is connected to mains water and mains sewer.