2: Pre-Contract Searches and Enquiries (Pages 5–8)

Question 1

What is the purpose of raising pre-contract enquiries?

Answer 1

Clarify matters from seller’s replies

Reveal undisclosed issues (e.g. disputes, notices)

Confirm physical condition of property

Question 2

What is the TA6 form?

Answer 2

Property Information Form completed by seller

Covers boundaries, disputes, services, planning, flooding, guarantees

Question 3

What are the standard searches?

Answer 3

Local Authority (LLC1 and CON29)

Water and Drainage

Environmental

Chancel Repair

Mining (if relevant)

Question 4

What is revealed in the LLC1 search?

Answer 4

Local land charges (e.g. listed buildings, financial charges)

Question 5

What is revealed in the CON29 search?

Answer 5

Planning and building regulations

Highways status

Proposals or notices affecting the property

Question 6

What does the Water and Drainage search show?

Answer 6

Connection to mains water and sewer

Location of drains/sewers

Question 7

What does an Environmental search identify?

Answer 7

Contaminated land

Flood risk

Landfill or subsidence risks

Question 8

Why is a chancel repair search sometimes done?

Answer 8

Landowner may be liable for church repairs

Applies to some historic parishes