What are “searches”?

Searches or property searches are a series of certificates that your conveyancing lawyer can order for you to verify information disclosed to you by the seller, or to obtain further information that is not required by the seller to disclose. These searches are necessary to complete your due diligence of the property.

The same “searches” are also contained in the section 32, however, they are only current as of the date in which they are ordered. That is, if there are changes that occurred even a day after the certificate was produced, it would not be contained in the section 32. Hence, it is important for the buyer’s conveyancing lawyer to order these same searches to bring the information up to date prior to settlement.

Some searches will quote an expiry period to it between 2 – 3 months. The authorities issuing those certificates may provide updates to it if requested by your conveyancing lawyer prior to settlement, but these updates usually pertain only to the financial information, such as the rates that are charged and paid, for the purpose of making adjustments. If the authorities will not provide verbal updates, then it is necessary to order the searches again.