Search Turnaround Timescales
Keep up to date with all the Local Authority Search Turnaround timescales and understand the impact that they may have on your purchase / sale transaction. On average a conveyancer can take 6.2 weeks* to place an order for searches. This is often due to processes that they need to follow, like waiting for a contract, getting funds on account, receiving signed terms of engagement and so on, some of which are out of their control, but these are avoidable when buyers take control and place orders themselves. So you will soon see how much difference you can make by placing an order at the start of your purchase transaction. Just make sure that the seller is definitely committed to sell to you.
*stated by the conveyancing association.
How long are Local Authority Searches taking in your area?
At Property Searches Direct, we keep turnaround timescales updated across all Local Authorities in England and Wales for searches so that you can answer the question of "how long do searches take when buying a house or flat?" Regulated Searches are available as standard on the website and in our search packs in the shop, so you can order everything you need right here, with every order kept in your account. This regional turnaround data is also published by our sister site, Buy Property Searches.
Each fortnight we update and distribute the data to highlight local authority areas where a search order could impact upon your timescales if not ordered early enough in the transaction. All you need to do is select a Local Authority to view the current turnaround timescales.
Are you a home mover? Do you know who is in your chain? These figures will help you to understand how every part of your chain might be affected by search delays.
You should ALWAYS use our Lender Checker to confirm whether regulated searches are accepted by your lender (they are with the vast majority). If your lender requires a Council sourced search ('official' search) you should contact Property Searches Direct by phone or email to get a quote, as the prices vary with each local authority, as do the timescales. We will aim to get a quote for an official search out to you, by email, within 60 mins so you can make a quick decision.
Are you a property professional? Our figures will help you to set expectations for your teams and clients alike.
Unsure which local authority the subject property is in? Use our Lender Checker to find out.
Search Local Authority turnaround times by council area
Updated fortnightly.