Local Authority Personal Searches

When buying a property, Local Authority Personal Searches are conducted, usually by a solicitor charged with conducting the legal aspects of the sale. These can be costly and time consuming but are a necessary part of the process. StockportHIP's have the specialists who can conduct all Local Authority Personal Searches giving you independent search results in a cost effective manner.

Local Authority Personal Searches are designed to ensure buyers are not subsequently responsible for certain obligations or restrictions on the land or property they buy. Restrictions or prohibitions on land or property are called Charges, which are legally binding on successive owners and occupiers.

Charges were created in the Land Charges Act of 1925 and subjected to further legislation in the 1970s. Local authorities are legally obliged to keep a Register of Local Land Charges and these form the basis for Local Authority Personal Searches.

Additional searches may be conducted, including an Environmental Search, in which any contamination of the land through polluting processes, such as landfills, waste treatment, or toxic substances can be determined. A coal-mining search is also invaluable to determine any potential or existing subsidence.

A recent addition to the list of searches available is a Water and Drainage Search. Water and drainage is controlled independently within every local authority area and a standard form has been agreed for a search submission to each local authority department involved. Drainage and Water Searches can be requested from any of the National Water companies in England and Wales.

Stockport HIPs offer a choice of Local Authority Personal Searches depending on your requirements. For a £60 fee, a standard search is conducted, comprising local Authority land and highways, including all documents required.

An additional service is offered for £110, where Stockport HIPs will conduct all local searches including office copy title land registry documents and local water authority searches.