What is the cost of a search?
This depends on what the solicitor requires. The majority of our search requests are basic searches (LLC1 and Con29) and these cost £135.00.
Optional enquiries are £10.00 each and additional enquiries are £20.00 each. Additional parcels of land are £10.00 each. Personal searches are £11.00 each and these can be done by contacting us and making an appointment.
How long does it take?
The Audit Commission's statutory performance indicator is 100% response in 10 working days, although we aim to process all searches within 5 working days.
Do you have an expedition service?
If you have a search which needs to be processed urgently, contact us on 01483 444080 and we will do all we can to produce your result quickly. There is no additional fee for this service.
What is the difference between an official search and a personal search?
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 information required. The information includes approved schemes that have not yet been implemented such as highway schemes, parking restrictions, traffic calming measures, Building Control or Environmental Health notices which are outstanding.
A personal search can be made by making an appointment and calling in person at the council offices. The search result is from the Register of Local Land Charges only 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.
Therefore only the CON29 form answered by the council can provide certified information.
When we send in our search request do you require plans?
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 to:
Thames Water
Tel: 0118 923 6656
Web: www.thameswater.co.uk (this page opens in a new window)
Can you tell me who owns a property?
No, please refer to the Land Registry at www.landregistry.gov.uk (this page opens in a new window).
How much are copies of documents?
- A copy of a search is £10.00.
- Copies of planning decisions are £6.30 each.
- Copies of tree preservation orders are £15.70 each.
- Copies of all other documents range in price between £6.30 and £15.00.
- Copies of Section 106 & Section 38 Agreements are £21.00 each.
Local Land Charges
Guildford Borough Council
Millmead House
Millmead
Guildford
GU2 4BB
Tel: 01483 444080
Fax: 01483 444996
Email: alicia.whelan@guildford.gov.uk