If you are a cash buyer this is your choice, but HSR Law would always advise that you do obtain searches . If you are purchasing with the aid of a mortgage, this is mandatory. The main searches are as follows: Local Authority   A local authority search will provide you with detailed information about your property and the surrounding areas including planning entries and road adoptions. This will give you peace of mind before going ahead with the purchase of your new home and ensure you avoid any surprises in the future   Water and Drainage    A water and drainage search will confirm the proximity of the property to public sewers, whether the property has a sewer running within the boundaries of the property and if the property is connected to mains services.    Environmental search   An environmental search would confirm whether the previous land use of the property creates a potential environmental risk. This search will highlight issues which would include:   Landslides Subsidence Contaminated land such as historic landfills and waste sites The risk of flooding from nearby rivers or seas   Mining search   A mining search is required if the property is situated in an area of previous or current mining history and is at risk of being built on unstable ground.