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Property Searches Explained | House Buying Process Explained

Understand property searches in conveyancing, average times, and what they reveal about a property.

Property Searches Explained | House Buying Process Explained

Conveyancer reviewing local authority search results during the UK homebuying process.

What Are Property Searches and How Long Do They Take?

Property searches are checks ordered by your solicitor to uncover legal, environmental, and planning issues.

Main Searches

Search	What It Covers	Typical Time
Local Authority	Planning, roads, building control	2–4 weeks
Water & Drainage	Sewer and water connections	1–2 weeks
Environmental	Flood, contamination, subsidence	1 week

Some councils process searches in days; others take over a month. Digital reforms aim to shorten this by 2025.

CTA: Need help coordinating your purchase or reviewing your survey? Book a quick consultation

What Are Property Searches and How Long Do They Take?

Property searches are checks ordered by your solicitor to uncover legal, environmental, and planning issues.

Main Searches

Search	What It Covers	Typical Time
Local Authority	Planning, roads, building control	2–4 weeks
Water & Drainage	Sewer and water connections	1–2 weeks
Environmental	Flood, contamination, subsidence	1 week

Some councils process searches in days; others take over a month. Digital reforms aim to shorten this by 2025.

CTA: Need help coordinating your purchase or reviewing your survey? Book a quick consultation

Disclaimer

This article provides general guidance only and should not replace professional surveying advice. Always consult qualified specialists (CSRT-qualified damp surveyors, PCA members, or RICS surveyors) for property-specific recommendations.

The cost estimates provided are typical ranges (excluding VAT) as of October 2025 but vary significantly by region, property type, and scope of works. Always obtain written quotes for your specific circumstances.

We are not liable for decisions made based on this information. Property purchase is a significant financial commitment - seek independent professional advice appropriate to your situation.