Environmental Searches and Flood Risk Issues

We are often asked in the Property Department at Ungoed Thomas and King, the reason why Environmental Searches are so important.

The Environmental Searches that we undertake make reference to plans and assess whether the property is likely to be affected by flooding as a result of river, coastal or surface water flooding. It would also assess the likelihood of the property flooding and how often, so that you can make an informed decision about whether to proceed with your purchase.

We advise all our clients who purchase a property to undertake an Environmental Search and Environmental Searches are undertaken by us at the outset of the transaction and we then advise our clients upon them as soon as they are received. If there are any concerns with regard to flooding, we would normally raise additional enquires with the solicitors acting for the seller about the flooding history of the property.

We would also advise our clients to make specific enquires with their proposed building insurers to ensure that they are able to obtain insurance at a reasonable premium and also to ensure that any damage arising from flooding will be covered under the policy.

If you are having a mortgage, your lender will probably insist upon us undertaking an Environmental Search in any event, but even if you a cash buyer purchasing a property, we would always advise that an Environmental Search is undertaken, in addition to other normal searches which we undertake.

For further information in connection with the conveyancing process, whether you are buying or selling, please contact our Property Department on 01267 237441 or mail@utk.co.uk.