DIY Conveyancing in Essex - Conveyancing Search Advice

Before an offer is made to purchase a property it is worth undertaking your own research in order to familiarise yourself with the area and to be aware of  potential problems that may arise during your conveyancing in Essex. If you are conducting your own conveyancing in Essex you will need to know what conveyancing searches to carry out.

The county of Essex covers a huge area with differing landscapes and for this reason you or your conveyancing solicitor should have local knowledge of the area.

If , having done your research, it transpires that the property falls within close proximity of a land fill site then an environmental search must be carried out. If the results adversely affect the value of the property then a prospective purchaser (and lender) would need to know this. Landfill sites are present in areas such as Halstead Colchester and Brentwood.  An environmental search will also reveal whether the property is situated in an area where it is at risk of flooding. This is particularly important in light of climate change and the heavier rainfalls we have recently been experiencing. Environmental searches can be ordered using online companies and different types of reports can be ordered depending on the depth of information you require about the property and the surrounding area.

The diocese of Chelmsford is said to have over 600 churches. If after inspecting the area around the property you notice a church close by then it is important to undertake a chancel repair liability search to establish whether or not the property owner is responsible for repairs to the church. This search can be done using an online company. There may also be information contained in the Land Registry records about whether or not a particular property owner is liable for such repairs. Further information on how the Land Registry records can be accessed can be seen below.

There is a programme of ongoing development and regeneration in parts of Essex. Just by walking around you can get an idea of whether there are to be any major works in the surrounding streets that may affect the property you wish to buy. For example, major road works are something to consider. You may not wish to live somewhere where there are plans for the widening of a road thereby increasing the flow of traffic or where properties are to be demolished to make way for a new block of flats. On the other hand, if your research reveals that speed bumps or speed restrictions are to be introduced, this would be encouraging for a family with children whose top priority is safety.

If you wish to find out about matters that affect the area surrounding the property enquiries can be made with the Local Authority.

There are vast areas of greenbelt land in Essex for example in the Borough of Thurrock. By walking around the surrounding area of the property you will get an idea of any public paths, lanes etc.. that need to be looked into. Queries should be made to ascertain rights of way and ownership of these paths and lanes etc..

It is possible to obtain copies of the title of the property held at Land Registry. These may reveal restrictive covenants, rights of way over adjoining land, restrictions on the use of the property etc.. A search of the Land Registry records can be made on line by accessing the Land Registry website and the cost of obtaining a copy of the Proprietorship Register is very small. You can also order a copy of the filed plan of the property which will give you an idea of the surrounding streets and the boundaries of the property.

If DIY conveyancing in Essex looks too daunting please contact one of the team at Fridays. We would be delighted to assist you.