When you’re buying a home, there’s more to consider than bricks and mortar. What’s beneath the surface could have a big impact on your property’s safety and value. This is why an environmental search is a key part of the conveyancing process. Let’s take a closer look at what it covers and why it matters.
What is an Environmental Search?
An environmental search is a report carried out during the conveyancing process to identify any potential environmental risks linked to a property.
What Risks Does It Look For?
- Contaminated land – Has the property been built on or near land that was previously used for industrial purposes, such as factories, petrol stations or waste sites? Contaminated land can pose serious risks and might require costly remediation.
2. Flood Risk – Even if the property hasn’t flooded before, nearby flood zones can still affect your insurance or mortgage.
3. Landfill & Waste Sites Nearby – Is your new home close to a former landfill or an active waste disposal site? This can impact air quality, value and future development in the area.
4. Ground Stability & Subsidence Risk – This includes risks from mining, clay soils, or previous land movement.
5. Radon Gas – Some areas of the UK have higher levels of radon, which is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into buildings and pose health risks.
6. Energy & Infrastructure Projects – This will flag up if your property is in close proximity to wind farms or power stations.
What Happens If a Risk Is Found?
Don’t panic! If a risk is flagged in the environmental search, your conveyancer will review the report in detail and explain the severity of any issues. They’ll guide you through your options, which might include further investigations, taking out indemnity insurance, or even renegotiating with the seller. In many cases, it’s simply about being informed, but in others, it could influence your decision to proceed with the purchase.
Why Historical Land Use Matters
When you look at a property, it’s easy to focus on what you see today – a lovely garden, a quiet street, or a freshly renovated kitchen. But what happened on that land years ago can still have consequences today. Environmental searches take into account historical land use to uncover risks that might not be immediately obvious.
The property could be built on a site that was once home to a factory, gasworks, petrol station or landfill. Even if those buildings are long gone, the ground beneath may still be contaminated with industrial waste, chemicals or other hazardous materials.
Past land use can also affect ground stability. In areas with a history of mining or quarrying, there may be a risk of subsidence or sinkholes, even if there’s no visible damage yet.
These legacy issues can impact:
- Your ability to get a mortgage.
- Building insurance premiums.
- Property value and future resale.
- Potential costs for land remediation.
By flagging up these concerns early, historical data allows you to make a fully informed decision before moving forward with the purchase.
What Lies Beneath: Why Local Land History Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Risk levels vary depending on the area as some environmental risks are more common in specific regions. For example, former mining towns in South Wales or the Midlands may be more prone to subsidence, while Cornwall and parts of the North West have higher radon levels.
Even if you’re buying a new-build home, environmental searches are still important. The land may have been previously used for industrial purposes or may still sit near a floodplain or a former landfill. The developers may have remediated the site, but the environmental search will confirm this and reveal any remaining concerns.
Ready to Move with Confidence?
Environmental searches may not be the most exciting part of moving home, but they’re one of the most important. They provide essential insight into what lies beneath and around your property, from flood risks to historical contamination, helping you make an informed, confident decision.
At Simply Move Home, we make it easy to compare quotes and find a trusted conveyancing solicitor who’s right for you. Our platform connects you with experienced professionals who will guide you through the entire process – including interpreting environmental searches and explaining what they mean in plain English. Everything you need to get started is right here on our website.
Get your free conveyancing quotes by clicking HERE.
