When you’re buying a property in the UK, your mortgage lender will typically require various searches to be carried out. One of these essential checks is the water and drainage search. But why exactly do lenders insist on this search, and what does it mean for you as a homebuyer?
What is a Water and Drainage Search?
A water and drainage search is a standard property check usually carried out by your conveyancing solicitor. It reveals important information about how the property is connected to the mains water supply, sewerage system, and whether there are any issues relating to flooding or drainage that you should know about.
Why is this Search Important to Mortgage Lenders?
Mortgage lenders carry out this search for several key reasons:
Confirming Connection to Mains Water and Sewerage
Lenders want assurance that your potential home has proper connections to mains water and public sewer systems. Without these essential services, the property may be considered less valuable and harder to resell. This could negatively affect the lender’s security on the loan.
Identifying Flood Risks
Flooding can significantly damage property, leading to costly repairs and affecting property value. Lenders want to protect their investments, so identifying flood risks in advance helps them ensure your home isn’t prone to frequent flooding issues. If potential flooding problems are discovered, the lender may ask for extra measures such as specialised insurance before they agree to the mortgage.
Detecting Liability for Drainage Repairs
If your drainage system is privately owned or if there are issues identified, you could face considerable repair costs down the line. Mortgage lenders are wary of lending on properties that might carry significant unexpected expenses, as this can impact your ability to meet mortgage repayments.
Checking for Public and Private Drainage Arrangements
The search clarifies if your property uses a public or private drainage system. Private systems can mean extra responsibilities, maintenance costs, and occasionally disputes with neighbours. Knowing this in advance helps lenders assess the long-term viability of the property’s infrastructure.
Ensuring Legal Compliance and Marketability
If issues with water or drainage arise after you’ve purchased, your property’s marketability could be compromised. By having a full understanding of the property’s water and drainage setup beforehand, lenders can feel confident that the home meets the basic legal requirements and will retain or grow its value over time.
How is the Water and Drainage Search Carried Out?
A water and drainage search involves your solicitor contacting the local water company responsible for the property area. Companies such as Thames Water, United Utilities, or Severn Trent provide detailed records and reports that outline water connections, drainage information, flood risks, and any historical problems.
Typically, this search takes around one to two weeks, depending on the local authority and water company involved.
What Happens if Issues are Found?
If your water and drainage search identifies issues like flood risks, non-standard drainage connections, or liabilities for repairs, your solicitor will advise you on the next steps. Potential solutions include:
- Negotiating a price reduction or repairs with the seller
- Purchasing appropriate insurance coverage
- Arranging further specialist surveys to assess the full extent of potential problems
In rare cases, significant findings could lead to a lender declining your mortgage application altogether.
So, Why Do Mortgage Lenders Conduct a Water and Drainage Search?
Mortgage lenders carry out water and drainage searches to protect their investment, ensure the property’s marketability, and reduce risks for both themselves and homebuyers. As a buyer, this search gives you peace of mind, knowing your new home won’t have unexpected water or drainage problems later on.
Ultimately, understanding the importance of a water and drainage search helps make the entire property buying process smoother, safer, and more transparent for everyone involved.
FAQs
Typically, a water and drainage search costs between £50 to £100, depending on your local water supplier and solicitor’s fees. It’s advisable to ask your solicitor upfront for an exact cost.
Although legally possible, if you’re getting a mortgage, your lender will almost always insist on one. If you’re a cash buyer, you might skip it, but doing so can be risky as potential issues can be costly.
Most lenders and solicitors consider water and drainage searches valid for around six months. After this, you might be asked to carry out a fresh search if the property transaction hasn’t completed.
Usually, your conveyancing solicitor or licensed conveyancer arranges the water and drainage search. The lender requires it but doesn’t arrange it directly; they rely on your solicitor to ensure it’s completed.
No, this search doesn’t cover water quality. It mainly focuses on connections, drainage liabilities, and flood risk. If you’re concerned about water quality, you would need a specialist drinking-water quality test.
Yes, they can. If your search identifies flood risks or drainage issues, insurers may see your home as a higher risk, potentially increasing your home insurance premiums.
Yes, mortgage lenders generally require water and drainage searches even for new builds. This ensures compliance and confirms correct connection to public water and drainage systems, which isn’t guaranteed solely by new construction.
Continue Reading
What should I declare when selling my home?
From exchange to completion: How long does it take and what can go wrong?
Can first-time buyers get a mortgage on a property with subsidence?
What age can you get a mortgage up to?
How do contractor mortgage brokers calculate the maximum mortgage amount?