Property searches explained
Local authority searches
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Local councils maintain a large amount of data relating to properties in their area and searches of these records called 'Local Authority Searches'provide essential information for conveyancers.
What is contained in a Local Authority Search?
A basic local authority search comprises a LLC1 plus CON29R questions.
A search with extra questions comprises a LLC1 plus CON29R questions and all or some of the CON29O optional questions.
LLC1 - The Official Certificate of Search
This reveals the entries on the Land Charges Register. This would include (if applicable to the property):
- Tree preservation orders
- Listed buildings
- Conservation areas since 1974
- Smoke control areas
- Conditional planning permissions
- Financial charges registered against the property
- Enforcement notices
CON29R - The Enquiries of Local Authorities Form
This includes:
- Planning history
- Building control regulations
- Highway information (including road schemes)
- Proposed tree preservation orders
- Proposed enforcement or breach of condition notices
Many of these replies are not to be found on Statutory Public Registers.
CON290 - The Optional Enquiries of Local Authorities Form
This includes:
- Public footpaths and byways
- Gas pipelines
- Common land enquiries
Personal searches
A personal search comprises an inspection by anyone of the Public Register held by the Council, which includes the Land Charge Register maintained by the Council for a specific property. A fee set by Central Government is payable at the time of making the search.
A personal search may not provide all the information available had a CON29R or a CON29O search been made.
