FAQs About Conveyancing in Surrey
Compare My Move have researched everything you need to know about your move to Surrey. We’ve discovered that the full cost of a Local Authority Search is £207.70, according to Surrey’s council website.
Our research shows that some areas in Surrey are subject to high levels of Radon Gas and that there is a medium to high risk for flooding. There are no cause for concern with subsidence or ground stability, but some risk of contaminated land in Guildford.
How Much Are Conveyancing Search Costs in Surrey?
Conveyancing searches are an important part of the conveyancing process and are made up by Local Authority, Environmental and Water and Drainage searches. The Local Authority Search is a vital search and will reveal any legal issues that could affect the property or nearby land of the property you’re buying.
The Local Authority Search is split into two parts, the CON29 and LLC1 and will provide you with important information about the local area you're buying in. We’ve looked at Surrey Heath Borough Council’s website to bring you the average cost of conveyancing searches.
For a Basic Search LLC1 and the CON29 form it will cost £207.70, with additional parcels costing £19.30. The LLCI on its own will cost £38.50 and the CON29 form will cost £169.20. CON29O Optional Enquiry will cost £20.44.
Rest assured, your conveyancing solicitor will arrange these and order additional parcels if required. They will be responsible for ordering the searches and chasing them up, as well as explaining the results to you if you’re unclear.
Basic Search LLC1 + CON29 Residential
£207.70 inc VAT
This is the total cost of both the LLC1 and the CON20 form and is the full Local Authority Search.
CON29
£169.20 inc VAT
The CON29 form is used to request information held by a local authority about the property you're buying.
Additional Parcel (LLC1 + CON29)
£19.30 inc VAT
Your solicitor will order additional parcels if required
Local Authority Search costs taken from Surrey Heath's Council website, 2021
What Are the Flood Risks in Surrey?
During your conveyancing searches, you’ll find out if the property or nearby land is at risk of flooding. This is vital to know as it could affect the future value of the property, putting you in a tricky position. A Flood Risk Indicator report from the Land Registry will be ordered during the environmental search.
Surrey is a county that has experienced major floods in the last 10 years, with the majority occurring in the River Thames’ lower floodplain. Additionally, the council say there are many areas at risk of surface and groundwater flooding.
Environment Agency data shows that more than 43,000 properties are at risk of flooding in Surrey, with 11,226 of these are at a high long term risk, translating to a 1 in 30 chance of floods within a year. An additional 32,584 properties are at medium risk, making the chances of experiencing a flood each year at a maximum of 1 in 100.
Surrey Council has produced a Surrey Local Flood Risk Management Strategy to address how they deal and plan to deal with flood risks. They plan to continue investing in natural and engineered flood alleviation schemes. Rest assured, your conveyancer will take care of ordering these searches and guide you through.
Are There Ground Stability Concerns in Surrey?
During the environmental search, your solicitor will order a ground stability search which will reveal if the property or the land surrounding the property was built on land that has cause for concern, such as risk of subsidence or landslides.
Data shows that up to 20% of homes in England and Wales are at risk of subsidence, so it’s important to not underestimate the importance of a ground stability search and environmental search. Your conveyancer will have the expert knowledge and experience to help you through the process and let you know your options.
Fortunately, there is a low risk of subsidence in the county of Surrey, according to the UK Subsidence Map. Subsidence is usually present in densely populated areas such as London, which is home to a large population as well as multiple office buildings, causing pressure on the ground.
- Reveals instability issues from natural or man-made hazards.
- Highlights historic and current landfill sites.
- Identifies natural ground subsidence.
- Recognises historic tin, coal, clay and any other mining activity.
What are the Radon Gas Levels in Surrey?
Your Local Authority Search will reveal if the area is at risk of radon gas. Radon gas is a colour and odourless gas that is present all over the UK, but certain factors mean its presence can be much higher in certain areas.
According to the UK Radon Map, part of Guildford, Blindley Heath and Salfords are areas in Surrey that have the highest exposure to radon gas, with the map showcasing they have a maximum radon potential of 5-10% in an area of 1km squared.
The highly affected areas are Guildford and West Horsley and an area near the A25 near Stoke Park. Bushy Hill, Epsom Road and Onslow Village are more areas that have potentially high exposure to radon gas.
The government's National Radon Action Plan (NRAP) the risk is only concerning if radon gas comes into your home from the ground below. You’ll discover this during the Local Authority Search and can order further searches if high levels of radon are detected.
Is Contaminated Land An Issue in Surrey?
You’ll also find out during the conveyancing searches if the property you’re buying was built on or near contaminated land. If the land was previously used as a landfill site or by factories then this can pose a threat to your health.
According to Surrey Heath’s council website, Surrey does not have a significant history of industrial uses. However, some land may be affected by contaminated land from historical land use, waste disposal or Ministry of Defence use.
Some areas in Guildford could be at risk of contaminated land as previous use of land included gunpowder manufacture, brewing, mineral extraction and heavy metal manufacturing.
Your Local Authority Search will reveal where if any land is contaminated and your conveyancer can order further searches if anything damaging is revealed.
