Official local authority search

A local search is part of the legal process to transfer the ownership of a property from the seller to the buyer. This search is covered by section 10(3) of the Local Land Charges Act 1975, which relates to compensation for loss.

Most mortgage lenders insist on an official local search being carried out which is in two parts.

Official local land charges certificate (LLC1)

This is a record of all the local land charges registered against the property such as:

  • outstanding liabilities for road and other financial charges
  • tree preservation orders
  • conditional planning consents and agreements
  • Notices relating to the making of a compulsory purchase order

Enquiries of local authorities (CON29)

This asks questions relating to the property such as:

  • road schemes
  • the planning history
  • proposed yellow lines or road calming measures
  • tree preservation orders to be made
  • various notices that affect the property