Solicitors & Conveyancing
What are property searches?
Last reviewed: 3 October 2026
The brief answer
Searches are checks your solicitor makes with the local council, water company and other bodies to find out about matters affecting the property that may not be visible at a viewing.
In plain English
Common searches include a local authority search (planning, building control, roads and some restrictions), a drainage and water search, and an environmental search (for example, contaminated land or flood risk).
Depending on the area, other searches may be recommended, such as for former mining activity.
Your lender usually requires searches. Results can take time to come back, depending on the council.
Why it matters
Searches can reveal problems that affect the value, use or mortgageability of a property.
What to do next
- 1Pay your solicitor for searches promptly so they can be ordered.
- 2Read the solicitor's summary of the results and ask questions.
Checklist
- Searches ordered
- Results received
- Results explained by solicitor
Official and independent sources
Related guides
This is general information, not legal advice. Your solicitor or licensed conveyancer is responsible for the legal work and legal advice on your purchase.