Search Services

Comprehensive Conveyancing Searches

Standard local authority, environmental, water, mining, and specialist searches for residential and commercial transactions across England and Wales.

Click to expand and view more details about each service

Our Regulated Local Authority Searches are Search Code compliant and backed by an individual £2m Search Warranty with run-off cover. We personally inspect the relevant entries in the Local Land Charges Register and council records — covering planning applications, building control history, enforcement actions, restrictions on permitted development, nearby road schemes, and contaminated land.

Turnaround

Typically 24–48 hours

Coverage

England and Wales

Produced by the Coal Authority, this search covers underground coal mining activity, mine entries, open cast mining, and subsidence risk. It also includes Cheshire Brine data — identifying whether a property sits within an area susceptible to brine-related subsidence and confirming whether it falls under the relevant compensation scheme.

Turnaround

24–48 hours

Coverage

England and Wales (coal mining regions)

We offer both a Searches Direct Regulated Drainage & Water Search and a Water Company-produced search. Regulated reports provide underwritten, guaranteed information covering billing details, water quality, mains water connection, and drainage facilities.

Turnaround

24–48 hours

Coverage

England and Wales

Working with Groundsure, FCI, and Landmark, we supply a broad range of environmental reports for residential, commercial, and agricultural transactions. Each report includes a professional opinion on contaminated land liability, flood risk from multiple sources, radon exposure, and ground stability.

Turnaround

Varies by report type

Coverage

England and Wales

Chancel repair liability is a historical obligation that can require landowners to contribute to the upkeep of a local parish church chancel. Our ChancelCheck® report uses data from The National Archives and geo-rectified historical parish boundary maps to identify whether a property sits within a liable parish.

Turnaround

Instant

Coverage

England and Wales

Common land is subject to specific public rights, including the right to roam. This search confirms the registered status of land in or near a transaction, giving your clients a clear picture of what access rights and limitations apply.

Turnaround

24–48 hours

Coverage

England and Wales

Flooding is one of the most common environmental risks to property in the UK. Our flood risk reports analyze data from the Environment Agency and other specialist bodies to give a clear indication of flood risk from rivers, sea, surface water, and groundwater sources, complete with insurability statements.

Turnaround

24 hours

Coverage

England and Wales

Essential for commercial transactions involving corporate entities. We provide full company searches including certificates of incorporation, current appointments, mortgages, charges, and insolvency information obtained directly from Companies House.

Turnaround

Instant

Coverage

UK Wide

Properties in Cornwall, Devon, and parts of Somerset are uniquely affected by historic metalliferous mining (tin, copper, etc.). We provide detailed archival assessments identifying shafts, adits, and historic workings that could pose subsidence risks.

Turnaround

3–5 working days

Coverage

South West England

We arrange for accredited local assessors to visit properties and produce Energy Performance Certificates. This service is fully managed by our team from instruction to completion, ensuring compliance with current energy efficiency regulations.

Turnaround

3–5 working days

Coverage

England and Wales

Ensure your clients are fully aware of any major infrastructure projects like High Speed 2 (HS2), Crossrail, or major road schemes that might affect their property value or quiet enjoyment. Our reports measure exact proximity and provide route maps.

Turnaround

Instant

Coverage

England and Wales

Gain insight into the immediate neighbourhood with detailed histories of planning applications, mobile phone mast locations, local amenities, and crime rates. Crucial for buyers wanting a complete picture of an area before committing.

Turnaround

24–48 hours

Coverage

England and Wales

Additional Services

Partner Service

Biometric AML & ID Checks

In addition to our core search range, we can arrange Biometric Anti-Money Laundering and Identity Verification checks through our trusted partner network. These digital-first checks allow your firm to verify client identity quickly and compliantly — without the need for in-person document checks.

Checks are conducted using biometric facial recognition and document scanning technology, meeting the requirements of the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds Regulations 2017. Results are typically returned within minutes, with a full audit trail for your compliance records.

Enquire about AML checks

Biometric facial recognition

Liveness detection and document matching to a live selfie

Document verification

Passport, driving licence, and national ID with over 10,000 document types supported

PEP & sanctions screening

Automatic checks against global Politically Exposed Person and sanctions lists

Digital audit trail

Full compliance record retained for your file, accessible via secure download

Results in minutes

Automated processing with near-instant turnaround for straightforward cases

This service is arranged through our partner network. A referral fee may apply. All checks are conducted by our regulated partner and subject to their terms of service.

Calculate Stamp Duty Land Tax

Planning a property transaction? Use our free 2025 SDLT calculator to work out tax liability for first-time buyers, moving home, or additional properties.