Waiting to Exchange - Last minute hold up!

[Hazydays]

Hello, I wonder if anyone in the know can help. We are waiting to exchange contracts and there is just a small chain. Everyone has signed their contracts, mortgage offers in place etc. But now our buyer's solicitors have advised there has been a failed environmental issue on their property and they are waiting to hear from the council regarding this. I don't know what the issue could be as it's not near any landfill areas, or radon. (I've done some research online). It's a 2 up 2 down newish property.

They have been chasing the local authority and it's taken over a week so far to come back. Was just wondering if this has happened to anyone else and if it's anything to worry about??

[R0b]

Re: Waiting to Exchange - Last minute hold up!

Solicitors carry out certain searches on one of those searches could be a contaminated land search. Landowners and councils have certain duties in relation to contaminated land. If there is a problem in relation to this then it is usually best to first consult with the local council but I believe it is ultimately the landowner to ensure any issues are addressed. Contaminated land could mean something to do with soil or the water but not always.

Generally though, there is a small number of properties/land that will be considered contaminated under the relevant legislation. Not sure if it applies to your house but this can happen in instances where derelict/disused land as such has been re-developed for housing purposes.

So the only reason I can think of as to why things are being held up is that the council probably have records of some sort relating to the land the house and what the land was being used for and whether any contamination tests were done previously.

[Hazydays]

Re: Waiting to Exchange - Last minute hold up!

Hi there. Thanks for your reply.