Due Diligence in Property

The most obvious check is the title deed and plan, which you should download for £14 yourself and read, the solicitor has not visited the property so it’s up to you to check that what you thought you were buying is in the plan – many examples of people not realising something like an attached garage for example was not in the plan, hence they do not own after purchase! In the title you will find covenants, easements (e.g. drainage rights). You may find manorial/chancel rights, the list goes on. You need to check for any extensions not per title plan, regularisation may or may not need needed.
Also check that the building control records for the property match what work the vendors have told you about.
If buying leasehold: the lease, it’s remaining term, presence of the freeholder, the ground rent, service charge, mgmt company are all important.

The solicitor will sort the council/environment/other searches.
Some opt for the homebuyers report and some don’t. I find them very surface level and point out obvious things and tell you to get specialists anyway – with a bit of general house knowledge you can see if for example the electronics need redoing by looking at the style of the consumer unit, if it’s the old style, then commission an EICR for cheap and consider the cost of rewiring the house. Large cracks or sagging roof, uneven floors, non-square door frames? get a structural engineer. Most houses have damp, this can be identified on the wall or using the damp meter I take to viewings, smell in cupboards, especially under the stairs, is it rising or falling? Etc.

I like to check nearby planning to see if anything impacts the area – but also for precedents of the types of things likely to be approved. Tree protection and other conservation/habitat issues can be costly, so I will check if this relates. I like to see gas safe certificates or boiler warrantees.