Property searches explained
Local authority searches
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
The Local Land Charges Act 1975 defines a ‘personal search’ as an inspection of the Local Land Charges Register. A LLC Register is held and maintained by every local authority across England and Wales.
A personal search (as described above) will not provide all of the necessary information required to answer Form CON29R or CON29O.
