The Water and Drainage Search, also known as a CON29DW, it is considered a disbursement in the conveyancing process and is one of the main conveyancing searches carried out during the conveyancing process. It focuses on a property’s water and sewerage system, highlighting any issues that may occur as well as factors that may impact it in the future.
Your conveyancer or conveyancing solicitor will arrange the search. They will gather information from approved databases and write up a report that is easy to read. They’ll be on hand to answer any concerns you may have and provide expert advice if you need it.
In this guide, we’ve gathered everything you need to know about the Water and Drainage Search. This includes what to expect from the report and the average costs.
When Do I Need a Drainage and Water Search?
You’ll need a Water and Drainage Search if you are buying a house with a mortgage. On the other hand, cash buyers are not obliged to have the search carried out. However, the information provided in the search is hugely beneficial.
Searches are usually ordered at the start of the conveyancing process. The CON29DW is carried out before the exchange of contracts. This is to ensure that you know everything about the property’s water and sewerage systems.
The Drainage and Water Search’s purpose is to highlight any major issues in your water and sewerage systems. The report includes whether the property is connected to the public water supply and sewerage systems. It also determines how the property is charged for the water supply.
Other factors that are considered include the water pressure and if there is a risk of surface water and sewer flooding.
Your conveyancer will undertake either a CON29DW or Regulated Water Search. While both of these will provide the main pieces of information regarding water and sewerage, there are some differences to be aware of.
Here is what to expect from the CON29DW and Regulated Water Searches:
CON29DW
Your conveyancer will gather information from the property's water company. This is done by using their official database. This ensures that the details are up-to-date and accurate.
The water and drainage report will also include a clear diagram that shows the location of public water assets in relation to the property. This includes the water and sewerage mains. It is colour-coded, making it clear for the buyer to understand.
The CON29DW also includes information regarding the water meter and billing. There will be details on property developments in accordance with the Section 104 Adoption Agreements. The report highlights Building-Over agreements and sewage treatment works that are in place.
The CON29DW is fully covered by insurance. This means any errors encountered in the search will be the water company’s responsibility financially. You will not have to pay any extra fees if mistakes occur.
Regulated Water Search
The Regulated Water Search takes information from the technical and asset database. This means that the information provided should be up-to-date.
There will also be details on any Building-Over and Adoption Agreements and potential new developments. This means that you can see how the property’s water and sewerage systems have been or will be affected.
You’ll also receive details on metering and billing within the report, allowing you to make plans on how your water use is regulated.
Since your conveyancer will use public records to collect information, the costs for the search are the same nationwide. This makes it a cost-effective option and allows you to have more control of your budget compared to the CON29DW.
While the CON29DW has complete and unlimited coverage, the Regulated Water Search has indemnity insurance for up to £2 million. In most instances, this should be enough to cover any errors that occur, but it is important to consider the limit.
Water and Drainage searches take between 10-14 days on average. The amount of time your search will take is dependent on the location of the property and whether you get a CON29DW or Regulated Water Search.
The CON29DW has a faster turnaround time compared to the Regulated Water Search. This is because your conveyancer can receive all information from one source.
Water companies will provide coverage for any data errors in the CON29DW. On the other hand, you may receive coverage for Regulated Water Search errors that occur. This is dependent on the company that holds the data.
Are They Compulsory Searches?
Conveyancing searches are a legal requirement when buying with a mortgage. Failure to have searches carried out may mean that your mortgage lender will withdraw your mortgage offer.
If you are buying a property without a mortgage, the water and drainage search is not compulsory. However, it is highly recommended to have the CON29DW carried out. It will highlight any issues that may be extremely costly further down the line.
The Water and Drainage search costs between £45 – £85 on average. The cost is dependent on the property’s location and whether you are purchasing a CON29DW or a regulated water and drainage search.
It’s important to note that the initial conveyancing quote for the search may not include VAT, so always make sure beforehand.
CON29DW vs Regulated Water Search
The CON29DW can be purchased for properties in England and Wales. Information is provided by the local water company operating in the area. As the more traditional and comprehensive option, it is often more expensive on average.
The water companies differ from region to region and are as follows:
Region
Water Company
East of England
Anglian Water
East Midlands
Severn Trent Water
Greater London
Thames Water
North East England
Northumbrian Water
North West England
United Utilities
South East England
Southern Water
South West England
South West Water
West Midlands
Severn Trent Water
Yorkshire and the Humber
Yorkshire Water
Wales
Welsh Water
Regulated Water Search
This is a newer and cheaper option that is ideal for those moving to a location that has low risk. Your conveyancer will inspect public sewer and water records that are available under the Water Industry Act (1991).
Since the information is sourced from public records, these searches are most likely to have a fixed price. This is because the company has more control over the price structure.
The conveyancing process in Scotland has some significant differences from the rest of the UK. However, the conveyancing search stage is identical. Your conveyancing solicitor will arrange and conduct these searches.
The average cost for property searches in Scotland is between £230 and £358. This cost includes the Water and Drainage Search.
Your conveyancer will collect information from Scottish Water’s database. This database holds information for all of Scotland.
How Long Does it Last?
The Drainage and Water Search results last for 6 months once the search has been conducted. This means you must complete your transaction within this timeframe. If there are delays that cause the search to expire, you will have to pay for a new search to be conducted.
Following your conveyancing searches, it takes an average of 1-3 weeks to exchange contracts. At this time, the searches will be reviewed and approved beforehand. You can also raise any queries if you have concerns.
What Other Searches Do I Need When Buying a House?
There may be additional searches required in certain circumstances. This includes the Mining Search for those buying a house in a mining area and the Chancel Repair Liability Search for properties located near churches.
Conveyancing searches are an important part of understanding the property before you buy. A conveyancer can arrange the right searches, explain the results, and help you decide what needs checking before exchange.
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