Land Searches
When a property, either residential or commercial, is purchased or leased, an essential part of the process is the local search and enquiries. Before granting a mortgage building societies usually require a search of the property to be carried out.
The current turnaround time for an official Local Authority Land Search and enquiries is between 3- 5 days working days.
If you have any queries or problems regarding our service or if you are not sure if the property is within our area please call 020 8207 7491 or email landcharges@hertsmere.gov.uk .
What is a Land Search?
When a property, either residential or commercial, is purchased or leased, an essential part of the process is the local search and enquiries. Before granting a mortgage building societies usually require a search of the property to be carried out.
Only the Local Authority can issue an Official Certificate of Search. The information provided in this search is guaranteed. If it has been found that you have been supplied with inaccurate information you may have a claim for compensation against the Local Authority.
There are 2 forms that make up the official searches and enquiries:
- Form LCC1 - The Official Certificate
- Con 29 – Replies to Part I Enquiries
The official Certificate (Form LCC1) for Local Authority searches will reveal the following information on a property to a prospective buyer:
- Details of any planning consent/planning issues which apply to the property
- Details of any planning or highway agreements
- If the property is a listed building
- If the property is within a conservation area
- If the property is in a smoke control area
- Details of any enforcement notices which apply to the property
- Details of any tree preservation orders which apply to the property
- Details of some financial charges which affect the property
- Details of any Notices served under the Public Health and Highways Act
- Article 4 Directions restricting permitted development rights.
Replies to Part I (Con 29) Enquiries will include
- Information on Public Highways and Road Adoptions
- Details of highway proposals within 200 metres of the property including major road works, bypasses, widening schemes, flyovers, dual carriageways and roundabouts
- Proposed traffic schemes including waiting or loading restrictions, traffic calming, controlled parking zones, pedestrian crossings, width or height restrictions
- Planning Information including stop notices, planning applications, proposed enforcement action, notices served under the Public Health Act, planning contraventions and breaches of planning control
- Details of Building Regulations, applications, decisions and infringements
Information provided by other organisations.
- Thames Water answer all drainage questions and optional drainage questions.
- Hertfordshire County Council undertakes the Commons Registration searches.
- If the property is not within the boundaries of Hertsmere you will have to apply to the appropriate Local Authority.
| Name | Main Switchboard Number |
|---|---|
| London Borough or Barnet | 020 8359 2000 |
| London Borough of Enfield | 020 8863 6565 |
| London Borough of Harrow | 020 8863 5611 |
| St Albans City and District Council | 01727 819512 |
| Three Rivers District Council | 01923 770611 |
| Watford Borough Council | 01923 226400 |
| Welwyn and Hatfield District Council | 01707 357000 |
Optional Part II and additional enquiries
The solicitor or person carrying out the search may wish to make optional or additional enquiries which could include
- details of advertisement consents,
- road proposals by private bodies,
- information about footpaths adjoining or crossing the property,
- planning information on adjoining properties,
- other information not contained in the official search.
How to apply for an official Local Authority land search.
Usually your solicitor or Licensed Conveyancer will request a local land search from the local authority as part of the conveyancing process. They will instruct the local authority to carry out an official search and enquiries on the property.
Searches can now be submitted on-line via the National Land Information Service (external link).
If applying by post for a search on properties within the Borough of Hertsmere, the Certificate of Search (Form L.LC.I) and Enquiries Form (Con.29) should be sent to Hertsmere Borough Council’s Land Charges Officer at the Civic Offices or via Document Exchange: DX no. 45602 Borehamwood. Your solicitor or Licensed Conveyancer should have the forms but further supplies can be ordered from http://www.oyezstraker.co.uk (external link).
Two plans should be enclosed with each search but if you are unable to supply a plan please contact the Council’s Land Charges Department prior to submitting your search.
Once all relevant documents, including payment in advance, are received your local land search should be processed and returned within the current turnaround period.
If you have any enquiries or problems regarding our service or if you are not sure if the property is within our area please contact our Land Charges Department who will be happy to help you. The can be contected by phoning 020 8207 7491 or emailing landcharges@hertsmere.gov.uk .
The cost of the official Local Authority Land Search
The cost of the official Local Authority Search LLC 1 as from 1 April 2007:
| Search | Fee |
|---|---|
| Official Search (inc. issue of Official Certificate of Search) in respect of one parcel of land in any one part of the register. | £20.00 |
| In the whole of the register submitted by whatever means | £30.00 |
| Each additional parcel of land where more than one parcel is included in the same requisition (whether the requisition for a search is in the whole or any part of the register). (No maximum but fees can be by arrangement) | £5.00 |
| Search | Fee |
|---|---|
| Residential | £106.00 |
| Non-Residential | £131.00 |
| Combined Fee for Form LLC 1 and Con 29 Enquiries (Residential) | £136.00 |
| Combined Fee for Form LLC 1 and Con 29 Enquiries (Non-Residential) | £161.00 |
Fees for Optional (Part II) and Additional Enquiries, when requested subsequent to the issue of the official certificate and replies to Con 29 part I, are:
Search | Fee |
|---|---|
Optional (Part 2) Enquiries (Residential and Non-Residential). Admin fee applies if submitted without CON 29 Part 1 | Administration fee £20 + £10 per enquiry |
Additional Enquiries (Residential and Non-Residential) if submitted with forms CON 29 | £20.00 per enquiry |
Personal Land Searches
A Personal Search is an inspection of the Local Land Charges Register only and a fee of £11.00 is payable.
Having carried out a personal search other records are available for public inspection ie the planning register.
The Council cannot guarantee information obtained by a personal search.
A personal search does not provide access to all records used for the official Local Authority search. For example the Council does not respond to Con 29 Enquiries with a personal search. The following information may not be available:
- replies to some enquiries
- some highway information such as whether the road is publically adopted
- full details of any proposed enforcement notices which apply to the property
- full details of any proposed tree preservation orders which apply to the property
- full details of some Notices served under the Public Health and Highways Act as well as any road proposals within 200 metres of the property. These may include bypasses and new roads
- information on some environmental health and building control issues which affect the property.
The register is open for inspection Monday to Friday between 2.30 and 4.00 pm by appointment only. Please ring the Land Charges service. You should give a minimum of 24 hours notice and you will be given the next available appointment. Please fax a clearly marked plan together with confirmation of your appointment.
Enquiries regarding road adoption should be made to The Highway Authority at Hertfordshire County Council who is the responsible authority.
What is the District Land registry?
When land or property is purchased, the title is registered at the Stevenage District Land Registry. Any queries regarding land ownership should be directed to Stevenage District Land Registry:
The Stevenage District Land Registry
Brickdale House
Swingate
Stevenage
Herts
SG1 1XG
Tel: 01438 788 888