Frequently asked questions

Northumbrian Water Property Solutions is the conveyancing department of Northumbrian Water Limited. Property Solutions offers a full range of conveyancing searches for both residential and commercial property transactions.

Primarily solicitors engaged in the conveyancing process. We offer a range of searches at a competitive price and speed of service is one of our main aims.

In a nutshell to fulfil the duty of due diligence to clients and alleviate any future liability arising from problems that could have been highlighted by obtaining a full range of conveyancing reports.

Only the water service companies hold complete and up to date information regarding sewer connection status, water supply and charging arrangements. Although water service companies have an obligation to supply local authoritites with copies of the statutory sewer map, in practice local authorities and personal search agencies rarely have a complete picture and thus it is vital to get the correct information directly from the appropriate water service company.

Although many conveyancers believe that good local knowledge allows them to assess the environmental risks associated with a property, in reality this can only go so far. Historical land use can have a dramatic environmental effect on current land use, as exemplified in a recent case in Seaton Carew, where houses have been built on land previously used as a storage area for chemically treated pit-props. The historic land use has led to above normal levels of arsenic, zinc and lead being detected and accordingly the local council has undertaken a programme of soil sampling to quantify any potential risk. An environmental report would have highlighted such historical land use and made the purchaser aware of any potential risks prior to purchase.

The need for advanced warning of environmental risk is compounded in commercial transactions by the greater amounts of money involved.

The past legacy and ongoing working of coal can affect surface property. Consequently, most property professionals agree that a coal mining search is an essential step for anyone buying or developing a property in any coal mining area in Britain. The result of mining related subsidence can be financially and emotionally devastating and thus it is vital that any risks are highlighted before the purchase of a property, ths is especially true in the north east with our rich mining heritage.

It is important to be aware of any potential changes within the surrounding area before proceeding with the purchase of a property. For example, there could be plans to construct a new supermarket, a new nightclub could be opening or a telecommunications mast may be proposed. Such developments can severely reduce the value of a property and make it almost unsaleable. The standard Con 29 search only focuses on the property for which it has been commissioned, and provides no information beyond the boundaries of the property. Planning reports provide property specific information as well as for the surrounding area.

The need for advanced planning information is compounded in commercial transactions by the greater amounts of money involved.

Searches will be returned within a standard 5-day turnaround, however, with certain products expedited searches are available.

All our reports are set out in an easy to read format, several contain a conclusive risk assessment. We deliver hard copies by Royal Mail and DX or if you would prefer by email.

Sample copies of all our reports can be located within the services section.

For secure online payment, we use Secure Socket Layers (SSL) to ensure the privacy of the information provided to us and at no time are your debit/credit card details transmitted unencrypted over the Internet. For further information, please refer to our privacy statement.

We take the issues of privacy and security very seriously. For peace of mind, please refer to our extensive privacy policy. The information we receive either on you as the client or on the property transaction we only share this information with other parties who require property details.

To find out more, call us now on 0870 241 7408 and one of our team will be happy to discuss any requirements you may have.