PropeteerProperty intelligence

Buyer guide

Property due-diligence checklist

Good due diligence tests identity, physical condition, legal title, planning, value and local risk as separate questions. Open data can prioritise enquiries, but formal searches, a survey and conveyancing remain essential.

Written and reviewed by Propeteer Research TeamPublished Reviewed

At a glance

Key facts

Before offer
Identity, price evidence, obvious planning and location risks
Before exchange
Survey, legal title, formal searches and finance
Keep
A dated record of evidence and unresolved questions

A reliable process

How to approach the question.

  1. 01Confirm the exact property, tenure, boundaries and accommodation being sold.
  2. 02Review planning history, current use, extensions and nearby proposals.
  3. 03Test the price against sales, floor area and local market evidence.
  4. 04Commission the appropriate survey, searches and legal enquiries before exchange.

Worked example

A promising extension opportunity

A strong local precedent does not remove the need to check title restrictions, drainage, trees, structure or neighbour relationships. The opportunity case and the purchase-risk case must remain connected but distinct.

What this does not prove

  • No single checklist fits every tenure, building type or location.
  • Open datasets can be incomplete or delayed.
  • This guide is not legal, survey or financial advice.

Method used

  • Start with the exact address and stable property identifiers so records for neighbouring or subdivided homes are not merged.
  • Separate open-data screening from formal conveyancing searches, surveys and professional opinions.
  • Record what was checked, when it was checked and whether the result means clear, no match, unavailable coverage or a failed connection.

Primary sources and official guidance

How to buy a homeMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentLocal planning authority registersUK local planning authoritiesLong-term flood risk serviceEnvironment Agency

Source scope, licensing, refresh expectations and known limitations are listed in the public data-source register.

Related guides

Questions to ask before making an offer

Ask focused questions about ownership, tenure, alterations, condition, services, neighbours, chain and evidence behind the asking price.

Property-data red flags

Spot identity conflicts, implausible sales, missing certificates, inconsistent property types, value outliers and false reassurance from no-data results.

Apply this guide

Start with the exact UK address.

Research a property