Frequently asked questions - Local Land Charges

• What is a Search and how much does it costs?
• What is the difference between an Official Search and a Personal Search?
• Do you have a service where you will process my search quicker?
• When we send in our search request do you require plans?
• Do you answer drainage enquiries?
• We need to undertake a search of the register of local Common Land and Town and Village Greens. Do we send them to you?
• How long are you taking to process searches?
• How do I know if a property is within the Haringey boundary?
• Are you linked to the National Land Information Service?
• Can you tell me who owns land or property?

What is a Search and how much does it cost?

Every time a property or piece of land is purchased or leased, a request for a search is sent to the authority in whose area the property is situated. This is to check any matters affecting the property or land registered as a Local Land Charge, or information held by the council that a prospective purchaser would like to know.

A solicitor or licensed conveyancer usually submits the application for a Local Land Charges Search and Enquiries (CON29)

The cost of a Search depends on what the solicitor requires.

The majority of our search requests are basic searches (LLC1 and Con29) and these cost £190 when submitted on paper forms and less when the transaction is paperless or over the internet.

Read the fees section on this website.

What is the difference between an Official Search and a Personal Search?

The most important differences are:

• The official search is certified by the council.
  The Local Land Charges Act 1975 makes provision for compensation if anything goes wrong. The accompanying CON29 questionnaire can only be completed by trained council staff who have access to the definitive information required.
• Some of the information includes approved schemes that have not yet been implemented such as highway schemes, parking restrictions, traffic calming measures or Building Control or Environmental Health notices which are outstanding.
• A personal search can be made by calling in to the council's offices.
  The search result is from the Register of Local Land Charges and does not include CON29 information, but personal callers can inspect statutory registers such as the Planning Register and the Highways Register. The result is not certified.
• Only the CON29 form answered by the council can provide definitive information;
  This includes, proposed parking restrictions, one way driving, prohibition of driving, notices, orders, directions and proceedings under the Planning Acts, nearby road or railway schemes, outstanding statutory notices under legislation relating to building works, environment, health and safety at work, housing, highways or public health.

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Do you have a service where you will process my Search quicker?

Yes, if you have a pressing need to have your search result processed very quickly, contact us on 020 8489 3797 and 020 8489 3798 and we will do all that we can to produce your result in time to meet your needs. There is no additional fee for this service.We are also connected to the NLIS Hub and paperless searches over the Internet are faster.

Do you require plans, when we send in our Search request?

Yes, please. Two copies of an up to date Ordnance Survey plan with the boundary of the property clearly marked.

Do you answer drainage enquiries?

No, please refer drainage enquiries to Thames Water:

Asset Data Services
Thames Water
Blake House
Manor Farm Road
Reading
RG2 0JN

DX 132045 Reading 11

Telephone: 0118 923 6656

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We need to undertake a search of the register of local Common Land and Town and Village Greens. Do we send them to you?

Yes, applications together with the fee of £14, can be sent by the NLIS hub or DX or mail to:

Document Exchange: DX 35651 Wood Green 1

Office address:
Local Land Charges
Legal Services
Alexandra House
10 Station Road
London
N22 7TR

How long are you taking to process searches?

The Audit Commission statutory Performance Indicator is 100% response in 10 working days, although we aim to process all searches under 5 working days. For more information about this visit our service and performance.

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How do I know if a property is within the Haringey boundary?

If you are unsure whether the property lies within the boundary, there are a number of publications or websites that clearly show the boundary line such as streetmap.co.uk . However, if you are still unsure then call us and we will try to help. Using the National Land Information Service (NLIS hub) will alleviate this problem.

Are you linked to the National Land Information Service (NLIS)?

Yes, we receive applications for Local Land Charges Searches and Commons Register

More information on the NLIS project is available from the NLIS website.

Can you tell me who owns land or property?

No, the information we hold is property-based.

You should ask HM Land Registry at Swansea. Telephone 01792 458877

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