What are conveyancing searches and why do I need them?

Conveyancing is the process of buying or selling a property, which can be complex and is best done using expert solicitors.
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Of particular importance when buying or selling is making sure all the correct conveyancing searches are carried out. These searches are normally carried out by your solicitor or conveyancer and provide essential information in relation to the property. Searches give the buyer comfort that the property they are buying is fit for purpose and will identify costs that may be associated with the property.
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Here at Avant Law we know what we are looking for and can advise along the way to make sure there are no surprises after completion.
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The following information explains some key concepts and identifies important searches to undertake during a property transaction.

Location, location, location

Where the property is located and what type of property it is will determine the searches we need to carry out.
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In New South Wales for example, there is a requirement for vendor disclosure and a range of searches or title information must be attached to the contract for sale. No property can be advertised for sale in New South Wales without a contract for sale having been prepared.
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By contrast, in Queensland, it is very much “buyer beware” and searches are not generally attached to the Contract for Sale. In that case, we recommend a range of searches that should be carried out during the conveyancing process to identify any issues.

Key searches to consider

First, a title search is critical to ensure the vendor is who they say they are and to identify any competing priorities on the title. Some other key searches required to demonstrate this are:

Search type

Description/ outcome

Building and Pest:

This is normally carried out by a specialist building and pest inspector. They visit the property and check its condition and look for evidence of disrepair or infestation of pests. These reports are generally quite thorough, but it is often the case that the existence of furnishings and other obstructions will limit access to some areas of the building.

ASIC or Bankruptcy search:

These searches will generally identify if the other party is solvent and actually able to buy or sell the property. They may also give an indication of creditworthiness.

Title:

A title search identifies the owner of the property and lists any registered mortgages, easements or covenants.

Easement or Covenant:

If an easement or covenant is registered on title, we will be able to obtain a copy and provide details of any associated maintenance obligations, 3rd party rights or restrictions on what you can do with the property.

Strata/Community Title or Common Property:

If the property is strata or community title, then there will be shared or common property which may also have easements or covenants registered on it. These may also place obligations on owners.

By-Laws:

If the property is strata title, then obtaining a copy of the by-laws is essential to understand the rules of the building.

Plans:

A copy of the registered plan of the land or strata lot is obtained, so you are able to properly identify it.

Council:

There are  various of council searches that may need to be carried out. These range from  determining if there are outstanding rates or infrastructure charges, to  making sure all the correct development approvals were obtained and there are  no unlawful structures erected on the property.

Water Infrastructure and costs:

Make sure  that if water is connected to the property, there are no outstanding amounts  payable or drainage issues.  It may  also need to be considered if any structures have been constructed over water  pipes or drains, as these may need to be demolished if there is a problem.

Roads:

If there is any planned road widening or construction of new roads or tunnels nearby, it is prudent to identify this and avoid buying a property that could in the near future be resumed. A similar rail search may be required.

Mines:

It is prudent to search for historical or current mining activity on or under the land.

Contamination:

Although the land may be residential, a previous use could have left contamination. It is therefore prudent to identify this as there could be unexpected costs associated with controlling or remediating the contamination.

Heritage:

A property could appear on a Heritage Register for a number of reasons. These include Aboriginal, environmental, built and archaeological heritage. Having heritage protection may prevent further development or use of the land.

Telephone:

Do you want to know if a 5G tower is going in near your potential property? Records can easily be searched to identify if there are any plans in place to install a telephone tower.

Land Tax:

To ensure no liability to pay land tax is passed to the purchaser, a land tax search will disclose if land tax is payable.

This is general advice only. The different searches you need depend on the state or territory in which the property is located, and its intended use. If the property is rural or commercial, there will be additional searches to consider and a more extensive due diligence is recommended.

The Process

‍Here at Avant Law, we have access to all the relevant databases and search engines. We can easily undertake all the relevant searches and provide you with up to date and accurate advice.

What can go wrong if you don’t do the searches?

A buyer was unaware there was a $600,000 outstanding infrastructure charge registered against the property they were buying. Had they undertaken a council search, it would have identified this and the buyer could have either terminated the contract or negotiated a price adjustment. Because the buyer was unaware this outstanding charge existed, after completion when Council chased payment, the buyer was liable.
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Another buyer was unaware a telecommunications tower was going to be installed across the road from their property. If correct searches had been undertaken by the client’s previous lawyer prior to settlement, they may not have proceeded with the purchase.

We can help you

If you have any questions, or would like more information about how we can assist you or your practice, please call 1800 867 113, or to organise a confidential discussion at a time that suits you, please click here