Local Search

This forms part of the home buying process and is a task which should be taken care of by the person who handles your conveyancing.

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A local search is an application to the local authority for a certificate providing certain information about a property. It is also taken to mean the certificate itself which will show whether the property is affected by road building or outstanding matters such as sanitary notices planning permission for any building work previously carried out connection to the mains sewer etc.

It is clearly common sense to make sure a local search is carried out to prevent you buying your home only to discover there is planning permission for a motorway 100 metres away or a refuse tip next to your garden.

If you are selling a property that requires a home information pack it will be up to you to make sure the local search is included - it is one of the compulsory documents required in the pack. If you are buying property and you are presented with a HIP make sure the local search is included.

The information in a local search should include

• The local land charges register relating to the property being sold.
• Other records held by the local authority on matters of interest to buyers such as planning decisions and road building proposals. These are referred to as local enquiries in the Home Information Pack regulations.
• The provision of drainage and water services to the property.
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If you want to know more about the neighbourhood of your property and how your neighbourhood compares with your local authority or England as a whole you can find out more on National Statistics Neighbourhood Statistics home page.

See also Mortgage Guides and Mortgage Calculators

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2009-02-17 00:00:00 © Moneyextra.com