Mr and Mrs Smith’s lucky escape thanks to OM&M’s Conveyancing services
Mr and Mrs Smith*, from Leighton Buzzard, had a lucky escape when their conveyancing survey revealed a planning application that would change the stunning view from the back of a property they were buying.
Buying a house can be a stressful time but, if all the correct searches are carried out and problems are identified, it can mean the difference between living in paradise and having a home from hell.
Having found a perfect property, with incredible views of fields from the rear garden, Mr and Mrs Smith decided to buy their ideal home. The property was not overlooked which was the key selling point for them.
Mr and Mrs Smith instructed Osborne Morris & Morgan to act as their solicitor for the purchase of the property. OM&M recommend to clients that they carry out an additional planning search which is not included in most standard search packages. Mr and Mrs Smith saw the value in the additional planning search and asked OM&M to carry out the search on their behalf.
The search results revealed that planning applications to develop the land behind the property they were buying. Although objections had been made, OM&M advised Mr and Mrs Smith that these objections may be resolved in the future which would lead to the planning permission being granted.
Understandably, Mr and Mrs Smith were left with a difficult decision to make. If they continued with the purchase of the property, there would be a significant possibility of houses being built on the field at the bottom of the garden blocking their beautiful views. If they pulled out, they would have to start all over again.
After much consideration, Mr and Mrs Smith decided to withdraw their offer. Although they were extremely disappointed, they believe they had a lucky escape. They have since gone on to buy another house – utilising the additional planning search once more – and have settled in.
Although this was a very stressful and difficult time for Mr and Mrs Smith, they appreciate the importance of undertaking such detailed searches. Not only was there the potential for their view to be spoilt, but there was also the likelihood of the development devaluing their property.
Mr and Mrs Smith said:
“We cannot thank the OMM conveyancing team enough for their expert advice. We dread to think of what the consequences might have been had we not carried out the full searches. We will be forever thankful and will, of course, be in touch the next time we move – hopefully not too soon though!”
Far too often house buyers are either not advised of the importance of additional planning searches or they decide against it. This can lead to buyers purchasing a property without full knowledge of potential issues which can result in disappointment and, in the worst of cases, a property which they are subsequently unable to sell.
Buying a property is a big undertaking and, when not thoroughly researched, very costly. We can help you with this process. At Osborne Morris & Morgan, we are a friendly team of award-winning legal professionals, who are nationally recognised experts in our field.
Please call our Leighton Buzzard Conveyancing team of specialists on 01525 378177 or contact us online to discuss your conveyancing requirements.
*Our client’s identities have been protected and so ‘Mr & Mrs Smith’ are not their real names.
