Anyone purchased WITHOUT searches?

8 replies

Newusernameaug · 25/04/2023 18:53

Hiya, trying to push through a quick sale for a house I’m buying, cash only no mortgage.

The estate agent advised that it’s the searches that can take a long time and is currently holding up most people, and as I don’t need a mortgage I can decide not to have these.
I asked the conveyancer and attached is their response to what searches they would carry out.

The house was last purchased in 2021 with a mortgage so I know they would of had to have all the surveys done then anyway.
they’re only selling as the couple have split up.

the house is Victorian and hasn’t had any extensions or alterations except some dormer windows fitted.

Has anyone else ever purchased without searches and any advice please?

OP posts:

SigrunGard · 25/04/2023 19:39

Hi - the only search that really takes time is the local authority search ( and of course it’s the most informative!)
if you really want to proceed without any, it is possible to take out “No Search” indemnity insurance

Wednesdayonline · 25/04/2023 20:14

I think personal local authority searches might be faster? And then you get indemnified for anything missed. I'm not sure how it works though really but perhaps an option?

Doggymummar · 25/04/2023 20:15

I would ask the sellers for a copy of the ones they undertook. Would hate to find they are going to build a council tip ten feet from your garden

WorkCleanRepeat · 25/04/2023 20:20

You can get personal local searches quite quickly in most areas at the moment.

Nattertatter03 · 25/04/2023 20:22

But searches take 6-8 weeks surely you can last that long? A quick sale is good, just don’t be reckless

GoodChat · 25/04/2023 20:24

If it was only sold 2 years ago I wouldn't bother.

WithManyTot · 25/04/2023 21:03

Yes, as a cash buyer I've bought with no searches or survey 3 times.
The only one worth knowing 'for information' is the planning search, but most councils have all the information online now. Most other things you can also check yourself, quicker and for free

Original poster

Newusernameaug · 25/04/2023 21:43

WithManyTot · 25/04/2023 21:03

Thank you - this is what I was thinking as I read through what each search entailed. That people who had bought multiple houses via cash probably didn’t bother with the searches.

It’s a Victorian terrace townhouse and due to location etc it’s fairly safe to say nothing is going to be built etc and I’ve already checked the planning portal for the street and neighbouring one.

Thanks everyone else too for the suggestions and thoughts :)

OP posts:

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