The only specialists analysing current and future development risk. Over 40% of reports uncover significant threats.
Quick Summary
- Specialist property development risk reports
- Over 40% of reports uncover significant nearby development
- Protects your clients and your professional indemnity
KEY BENEFITS
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Residential Reports
DevAssess covers standard residential properties under 0.25 acres, analysing development risk within a 75m radius of the main structure. For larger or higher-value residential properties under 30 acres, DevAssess Premium Residential extends the analysis to 75m from the property boundary and includes traveller sites, SHELAA, local policy, listed buildings, five-year housing supply, and changes to nearby major infrastructure.
Commercial Reports
DevAssess Premium Commercial covers commercial properties under 20 acres with the same depth of analysis as the Premium Residential report, tailored for commercial transactions. For properties in major cities, DevCity provides a comprehensive analysis of unbuilt planning consents and land that could support future development in the surrounding area.
DevCity
For residential and commercial properties in major cities. A comprehensive report analysing unbuilt planning consents and land that could support future development in the surrounding area.
DevProbate
For solicitors, executors, estate agents, asset managers, and debt recovery professionals. Assesses whether a piece of land or property has development potential or an alternative use that could increase its value beyond existing use. Protects professional indemnity from the risk of underselling.
MORE DETAIL
Casera has partnered with DevAssist to give conveyancers access to specialist development risk reports directly from within the platform. Standard conveyancing searches do not fully analyse the area surrounding a property for current development plans or the potential for future development that could affect its value and desirability. DevAssist is the only company in the country that does.
Since 2012, the National Planning Policy Framework has tilted the balance in favour of developers, prioritising development and easing the path for planning approvals. The result is that housing and infrastructure projects are being fast-tracked across the country, often in locations buyers would not expect. Over 40% of DevAssist reports uncover a significant development risk in close proximity to the property being purchased, ranging from large-scale housing developments replacing nearby green belt or farmland to change-of-use conversions, road schemes, and neighbours' extensions that could impact light or views.
For conveyancers, this is not just a client care issue. It is a professional indemnity risk. Over 20% of all legal complaints are directed at the conveyancing sector, most of which are planning-related, and conveyancing solicitors are the most likely in the profession to face a negligence claim. The landmark case of Bird & Bird v Orientfield Holdings established that if a solicitor orders a search or planning report, they create a duty to consider its contents and report back to the client. Claims can be raised up to six years after the alleged negligence.
When you commission a DevAssist report through Casera, all liability for the interpretation of planning data lies with DevAssist, not your firm. The report is stored against your Casera case, giving you a clear record that thorough due diligence was carried out. If there is ever a query about a report, Casera acts as your single point of contact and liaises with DevAssist on your behalf.
FAQs
Why do I need a DevAssist report if I already order standard conveyancing searches?
Standard searches include planning data, but they do not analyse whether a property is surrounded by current or future development plans that could affect its value. DevAssist is the only provider that interprets planning trends, SHELAA data, and national policy to assess the real risk of development in a location. Over 40% of their reports uncover a significant risk that standard searches miss entirely.
Which report should I order?
DevAssess is suitable for most standard residential transactions on properties under 0.25 acres. For larger or higher-value residential properties, DevAssess Premium Residential provides a more detailed analysis. Commercial transactions should use DevAssess Premium Commercial. Properties in major cities are best served by DevCity. If you are acting on a probate matter and need to assess whether a property has unrealised development value, use DevProbate. If you are unsure, Casera can advise on the right report for your matter.
Who is liable for the interpretation of planning data?
DevAssist. When you commission a report through Casera, all liability for the analysis and interpretation of planning data sits with DevAssist, not your firm. This is a significant difference from ordering raw planning data and attempting to interpret it yourself.
What kinds of development risk do reports typically uncover?
Common findings include greenbelt and farmland development, change-of-use conversions, road and access schemes that will affect traffic and noise, hostile large-scale planning applications in councils not meeting housing supply targets, and neighbours' extensions or building works that could impact a property's light and views.