Local land charges search

What is a Local Authority Search?

It is a full and comprehensive search of the Council's property records. We answer a series of questions contained in the search enquiry forms - CON29R, enquiries of a local authority and form LLC1 - to reveal entries contained in the Local Land Charges Register. These entries are searched to make sure that there are no hidden surprises such as:

• A new bypass planned for the bottom of your garden
• notices requiring you to take action to fix outstanding problems with your property
• planning consents that have conditions attached
• tree preservation orders
• listed buildings
• conservation areas
• smoke control orders.

Items revealed on the CON29R part of the application form relate to Planning, Highways, Environmental Health, Housing and Building Control issues. It is not possible to answer all of the CON29R questions by only inspecting public records. An additional set of optional questions, CON29O, can be asked if additional information is required. We can answer these and solicitor’s own questions on payment of an extra fee.

How do I request one?

• Contact us direct, by telephone or email, and we will check the address and advise you of the correct fee.
• through your solicitor, licensed conveyancer or legal practitioner
• through NLIS channels - SearchFlow and Thames Water Property Searches.

To help homeowners understand the facts about property searches, Land Data have prepared a Land Data: guide to property searches July 2010.

How much do they cost?

A standard residential search costs £59.00, and a standard commercial search costs £199.00.

For further information about our prices please see our Local land charges fees document.

How can I pay?

You can pay online, or you can contact us to open an account.

How long will my search take?

We will return it between 3 and 4 working days. We will send your search back by email where possible.

How can I get further information?

If you want any copy documents, contact us for a price.

Downloads

• Local land charges schedule of fees - from April 2012 (word, 14kb)
• Other authorities local land charges information sheet (pdf, 50kb)

Useful links

• Land Data consumer guides
• Land Registry
• Seven Trent Services
• Thames Water property searches
• Search Flow