Local searches are enquires your solicitor will submit to organisations such as Local Councils, the Environment Agency, Coal and Water authorities. Responses can identify issues such as nearby planning applications to where you are buying that may impact on your decision to proceed including whether there is a future threat of compulsory purchase, whether the property is in an area subject to flooding, whether it is served by a mains water connection and other similar issues. Solicitors will often ask for an amount of money up front to cover these costs that they incur on your behalf. Solicitors fees for buying somewhere else in most instances are recoverable under Disturbance compensation.
