How long will searches take?

[NCHouseBuy]

I need to shorten the legal process as much a possible if I can - is the normal length of waiting time due to applying for and waiting for the searches to come back - and can this be avoided by doing in person?

How long will local authority searches take if I'm willing to go down to the council in person, or possibly pay extra to solicitors for someone to do this?

It depends on the area you live in. Ours took 6 weeks to come back.

Our area is allegedly 8 weeks at the moment...

Is it possible to take a list of searches down to the council in person and lodge myself? How long would that take? Same day?

I’ve read on here about solicitors paying an agent to do this same day, but pre-COVID so not sure if possible

I’d ask local EAs or your conveyencer how long searches are taking (mine has said normal time frame for area so around 3 weeks)

My council is not letting anyone into the offices so all searches are being done by them. And taking ages.

You can get personal searches done if your lender will accept them. The information is available for them to access and can be done in a couple of days whereas LA ones are taking 6+ weeks right now.

Thanks all - will have to check with solicitor what lender will accept and what council will allow.