Searches when adding to mortgage?

[YoureAllABunchOfBastards]

We bought our house in 2006 and have lived there ever since. We've recently added to our mortgage to cover a secured loan that we stupidly took out when I was on maternity leave and money was tight.

All has gone through Ok - our existing mortgage provider revalued the house, noted the improvements we have made and was happy to lend us the extra to pay off the secured loan.

However, we have to go through the solicitor to pay it off, and the solicitor is insisting that we need to have the searches redone.

I really can't see why. We are well aware of what has happened in the area and none of it is relevant - there are no major planning applications, no flooding, no change to tree preservation orders.

Will anything dreadful happen if we skip them?

Usually the solicitor is acting for you and the mortgage company. The mortgage company wants to ensure the place is good security for its loan so it may not be your choice, but is required.

It'll be up to your mortgage lender. If they say they require searches, you will have to do them or your solicitor won't be able to obtain your mortgage funds.