A search result and an unsupported building assurance
A fictional purchaser asks whether a property has any ownership burden and whether an internal alteration has the necessary approval. The salesperson obtains relevant land registration information but has not obtained the documents addressing the alteration. A colleague suggests saying that the alteration is approved because the ownership search did not mention a problem. The purchaser says that the alteration is important to the intended use and asks for the supporting evidence. This exercise supplies no actual approval decision, building instrument or professional inspection report. Students must distinguish the different claims and their evidence, explain what the search can and cannot establish and identify an appropriate referral or further verification rather than provide an unsupported legal or technical assurance.
1. Why does the conclusion exceed the evidence?
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A search directed to registered property information does not by itself establish the approval status of an alteration. The approval question requires its own relevant documents and competent assessment.
2. How should the answer be communicated?
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Describe the information actually obtained, state the unresolved approval question and obtain appropriate documentation or professional advice before making a positive assurance.