Conveyancing Searches: What They Are and Why They Matter for Property Transactions

When it comes to buying or selling a property, there are many different factors to consider and steps to take. One important aspect of the process that often gets overlooked is conveyancing searches. But what exactly are these searches, and why do they matter?

In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of conveyancing searches – also known as property searches – in property transactions and how you can ensure thorough searches are conducted.

What are Conveyancing Searches?

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of a property from one person to another. As part of this process, conveyancing searches are conducted to uncover any potential issues or liabilities associated with the property. These searches can include checks with the local authority, environmental searches, drainage and water searches, and more.

The purpose of these searches is to protect your investment in the property and to ensure that you have a full understanding of any issues that may affect the value or use of the property.

It’s important to note that conveyancing searches are not the same as a survey, which is a more detailed assessment of the condition of a property.

What Conveyancing Searches Are Typically Conducted?

In Australia, conveyancers typically conduct a variety of searches in order to ensure that a property transfer goes smoothly. These searches may include:

1. Title search: A search of the property’s title to verify ownership and identify any encumbrances or restrictions on the title.
2. Local government search: A land information certificate from Council provides information about valuations of the property, the amount of rates charged and arrears and interest, if applicable. The certificate will also disclose any special rates and charges and may also disclose the existence of any notices affecting the property.
3. Water and sewerage search: A search of the property’s water and sewerage connection records to verify that the property is connected to these services. This search is also necessary to establish whether there are any unregistered easements such as water, sewerage or drainage affecting the property or notices issued affecting the property.
4. Environmental search: A search to identify any environmental issues or hazards that may affect the property, such as contamination or flood risk.
5. Strata search: A search of the property’s strata records (if applicable) to identify any issues or liabilities related to the property’s strata scheme.
6. Building and pest inspection: An inspection of the property to identify any structural or pest-related issues that may need to be addressed.
7. Building Regulations Certificate: A certificate from Council that discloses the issuance of any Building Permits, Final Inspection Certificates and Occupancy Permits issued within the last 10 years. The certificate also discloses the details of any current Notice/s or Order/s issued by the relevant building surveyor.

It’s important to note that the specific searches conducted may vary depending on the location and circumstances of the property in question.

Why are Conveyancing Searches Important?

They are important for a number of reasons. Firstly, they protect your investment in the property by identifying any potential issues that could affect its value or use. This includes things like planning permissions, rights of way, and environmental hazards.

Secondly, they can help to avoid legal issues down the line. If a problem is discovered after you’ve completed the purchase of a property, it could lead to costly and time-consuming legal disputes. By uncovering any issues beforehand, you can negotiate a resolution or decide not to proceed with the purchase.

Finally, conveyancing searches provide peace of mind by giving you a full understanding of the property you’re purchasing. This can help to make the home buying process less stressful and give you confidence in your investment.

How to Ensure Thorough Conveyancing Searches

So how can you make sure that thorough conveyancing searches are conducted? One of the best ways is to work with a conveyancer who is experienced in conducting these searches. They will be able to advise you on the appropriate searches to carry out and ensure that they are conducted correctly.

It’s also important to ask the right questions and do your own research. Don’t be afraid to ask the seller or their agent about any potential issues with the property, and consider hiring a surveyor to assess the condition of the property.

In conclusion, conveyancing searches are a vital step in the property purchase journey. They protect your investment, identify potential issues, and provide peace of mind.

Make sure to prioritise conveyancing searches in your own property transactions and work with a professional to ensure that they are conducted thoroughly.

Conveyancing Searches By Tick Box Conveyancing

At Tick Box Conveyancing, we understand the importance of conveyancing searches in the property transaction process. That’s why we conduct these searches on all matters that we attend to, whether we are conducting a pre-purchase review of a contract, assisting with the sale or purchase of a property, or when otherwise requested by our clients.

Our team of experienced conveyancers is skilled in conducting a wide range of conveyancing searches, including title searches, local government searches, water and sewerage searches, environmental searches, strata searches, and building and pest inspections. We take the time to carefully review all search results to ensure that our clients have a full understanding of any issues or liabilities associated with the property.

If you have any questions about conveyancing searches or the conveyancing process in general, don’t hesitate to contact Tick Box Conveyancing. Our team is here to provide you with the expert guidance and support you need to make informed decisions about your property transactions.

FAQs

What are conveyancing searches?

Conveyancing searches are checks that are conducted as part of the legal process of transferring ownership of a property from one person to another. These searches are designed to uncover any potential issues or liabilities associated with the property, such as planning or zoning issues, environmental hazards, or structural problems.

Why are conveyancing searches important?

They are important because they protect your investment in the property and help to avoid legal issues down the line. By uncovering any issues beforehand, you can negotiate a resolution or decide not to proceed with the purchase. They also provide peace of mind by giving you a full understanding of the property you’re purchasing.

What types of conveyancing searches are there?

There are many different types of searches, including title searches, local government searches, water and sewerage searches, environmental searches, strata searches, and building and pest inspections. The specific searches conducted may vary depending on the location and circumstances of the property in question.

Who conducts conveyancing searches?

Conveyancing searches are typically conducted by conveyancers who are experienced in the conveyancing process. It’s important to work with a professional who is knowledgeable about the different types of searches and how to interpret the results.

How do I ensure thorough conveyancing searches are conducted?

To ensure thorough conveyancing searches are conducted, it’s important to work with a conveyancer who is experienced in this area. You should also ask the right questions and do your own research to get a full understanding of the property you’re purchasing. Consider hiring a building surveyor to assess the condition of the property and identify any structural issues.

Can I request specific conveyancing searches?

Yes, you can request specific conveyancing searches if you have specific concerns or needs. Your conveyancer can advise you on the appropriate searches to conduct and help you understand the results.

Are conveyancing searches the same as a survey?

No, they are not the same thing. Conveyancing searches are designed to uncover any issues or liabilities associated with the property, while a survey is a more detailed assessment of the condition of the property. It’s important to consider both conveyancing searches and a survey when purchasing a property.