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The enhanced CON29DW from the Water Companies of England and Wales
At the Water Companies of England and Wales, we’ve been investing heavily to ensure our official CON29DW drainage and water searches are fully compliant with Home Information Pack (HIP) regulations. Here’s the latest...
At the Water Companies of England and Wales, we’re the owners of regional drainage and water data, and the official source of CON29DW drainage and water searches. We are well known for delivering the most accurate, up-to-date search information there is, fast. That means every search you order is reliable – created by professionals who know how to interpret the risks and liabilities.
Whenever you order a drainage and water search, it’s important to make sure the report comes with an official water company logo. That way, consumers will receive reliable information, directly from the experts. And because all searches are guaranteed, if anything goes wrong further down the line, we’ll be able put things right.
HIP regulations
In June, the Government announced revised content requirements and regulations for HIPs.
The packs must now contain:
- An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) that tells potential buyers how energy efficient a home is. Homes will be rated on a scale from A to G, with the most efficient homes (with the lowest fuel bills) in band A
- A sale statement that provides basic information about the site including the name of the seller, and details of whether the property is freehold or leasehold
- A CON29DW drainage and water search
- A local search (either official or one from a personal search company) Sellers may also include additional searches such as environmental searches or planning reports
- Evidence of title
- Leasehold and commonhold documents
The announcement also confirmed that drainage and water searches would remain a required element of the packs, and that the policy for insurance on these would remain unchanged.
HIPs were introduced across England and Wales for properties of 4 bedrooms or more on 1st August, and the Government have now announced that HIPs will become mandatory for 3 bedroom properties marketed on or after 10th September 2007.
The enhanced CON29DW drainage and water search
The regulations state new requirements for the contents of drainage and water search reports. These changes have been backed by the Consumer Council for Water who suggested that drainage and water searches should provide more information, guarantees and protection for homebuyers. We’ve been working hard to ensure our CON29DW drainage and water enquiries are compliant with the new regulations.
Drainage and water searches must now include:
- Details of service issues including whether the property is at risk of sewer flooding, or at risk of receiving low water pressure
- Details of water quality issues such as lead pipes within the distribution network, and lead used in the water company’s section of the pipes
- Information about legislation change such as self-lay water mains
- Charging information including meter location and the basis for charging after change of occupancy
- Sewage treatment works information including the distance from the boundary of the nearest works
- A complaints procedure detailing any guarantees, as well as who’s liable for negligence or redress
- If the contents of your drainage and water searches aren’t correct, you could encounter serious problems further down the line. The best way to avoid any problems is to order an official search directly from the Water Companies of England and Wales. That way you’re guaranteed an accurate and complete search.
- We’re striving to make it as easy as possible to order searches, and they can now be accepted in a number of ways – by phone, post, DX, fax, email, over the internet, or even by a direct XML connection. Plus, no matter how they’re ordered, 95% of search orders are returned within 3-5 days – either electronically or as a hard copy, ensuring you continue to receive the same fast and reliable service you’ve come to expect from us.
- Extra support for conveyancers
- We aim to provide support for conveyancers throughout the introduction of HIPs. We’ll be helping with any enquiries or concerns, as well as offering a number of training courses.
Posted on: 10/10/07
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