The provision of environmental information indicating the possible risk and dangers of flooding, waste and landfill sites, subsidence, contaminated land and other environmental concerns looks set to become an increasingly important feature in the conveyancing process.
Residential Environmental Search
This report is suitable for domestic residential properties. It helps guard homebuyers and sellers against property blight and potential risks to health that may be caused by contaminated land. The report comes with an expert assessment certifying the property as “passed” or “failed”
Commercial Environmental Search
This report is an essential part of every commercial property screening process. It looks at a range of environmental data and historic maps, and includes a certificate that indicates whether the property is suitable for purchase or needs further assessment by an expert.
Environmental Searches
In June 2001 the Law Society issued a Warning Card to the legal profession, advising solicitors about the potential hazards of acquiring contaminated land and raising awareness amongst solicitors dealing in conveyancing and land law cases about the requirements of Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. An environmental search can help reduce the conveyancer’s exposure to negligence and guard the purchaser against property blight.