Risks to look out for when buying property in Cheshire or North Wales

Before a buyer commits to buying a property by exchanging contracts, they need to know as much as possible about it, says X-Press Legal Services Wrexham, Cheshire West and Chester, especially anything that may affect its future value or their enjoyment of it.

Property searches are enquiries made on a buyer’s behalf by a solicitor or conveyancer to various authorities that hold information about a property, the land it sits on or factors that may directly (or indirectly) effect it.

X-Press Legal Services provides these expert property search reports to the local conveyancing sector.

Russell Welch, director of X-Press Legal Services Wrexham, Cheshire West and Chester, said: “Along with the common property search risks such as flooding, contamination and planning- each region of the UK has its own particular search risk given the geology and industrial history of the area.

“Over our many years of providing search reports, we have a pretty good idea of the risks our region is most likely to reveal. Our team then supports local conveyancers to deliver a complete picture of not only the property, but the area surrounding it.”

Unique risk factors specific to the region are mining and radon.

Russell added: “Cheshire has a long history of salt mining, dating back to the Romans who settled in ‘Condate’, modern day Northwich due to the presence of brine springs.

“Rock salt extraction on an industrial level began a few centuries ago, and led to brine pumping which was more economical but ultimately caused land subsidence. Although salt has been a major reason behind population build up in the area, it is important to understand how it increases the risk of subsidence across Cheshire- and to make sure your property is not at direct risk.”

Russell said: “Radon is a common risk search throughout the region- it is something which is checked for in every property search across the UK, but large deposits have been identified throughout North Wales and Anglesey.

“Although a dangerous risk if not detected, once detected, it is easy to remedy, and the solutions should last for many years. Methods to solve the problem can vary, from adding or replacing ventilation bricks on outside walls, to installing a pump that blows air into the property, or adding radon-protective membranes to an extension or new development.”

Wales is also affected by mining. Russell added: “Coal Mining in Wales was significant throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, being integral to our economic development and playing a key role in the Industrial Revolution. Mining caused issues with ground stability and contamination, and subsidence-issues which can cause major safety risks with properties and new developments.

“Coal mining reports are a legally required part of the conveyancing process in areas with a history of mining. Subsidence can not only affect the value of a property, but if sink holes or related issues appear- properties may have to be demolished, and the owners’ health and safety can be put at serious risk.”

In the UK last year, over £400 million was wasted on failed property transactions in England and Wales. For the consumer, this could mean one in three people losing a significant amount of money in failed attempts to buy or sell their home, and for some- this could put an end to their residential sale or purchase for good.

To find out more about X-Press Legal Services Wrexham, Cheshire West and Chester, visit https://xpresslegal.co.uk/profile/?id=15