Local land charges

When you buy a house or piece of land, your solicitor will request searches to ensure there are no hidden surprises, such as prohibitions held against the property or land or outstanding notices requiring you to take action to remedy an earlier wrong doing.

We are responsible for maintaining and updating this information for the whole borough.

Full searches consists of two parts:

  • the CON29
  • the LLC1

CON29

We can supply the CON29 to solicitors.

LLC1

LLC1 searches are conducted through HM Land Registry using data we record and supply.

Why should I use an official council search?

The Law Society, which regulates solicitors, encourages the use of official council searches. It considers that alternative personal searches of the statutory register, disclosing only limited information, should only be undertaken with the approval of the client when time may not permit official searches.

You are advised to confirm with your solicitor that an official search has been undertaken and to inspect the certificate of official search.

Why do I need a local search?

A local search protects you against unknowingly inheriting land charges and will warn of proposals affecting the land or property. They are vital part of the process to ensure buyers have all the information they need.

Please note: if your solicitor does not use us for the CON29, instead opting to using a third party company, referred to as a personal search then the information provided is not covered by our insurance.

Your rights

You are entitled to tell you solicitor which searches you want:

  • a search undertaken, checked and guaranteed to be 100% complete and up to date, or
  • a third party personal search