Thinking of Moving House?

Buying a house is probably the biggest investment you will ever make. Finding the ideal property is only the beginning. Before committing yourself to the purchase, you will need to know as much information as possible about the house and its immediate environment; otherwise your dream home may turn into a nightmare. For example:

• There are views across open fields to the rear of the property - but for how long? What is the approved land use?
• Your favourite spot in the garden is in the shadow of a large tree, but can you prune or fell it or is the tree protected?
• Does the extension, with a kitchen to make you the envy of your friends, have planning permission or conform to building regulations?
• Who maintains the roads or pathways adjacent to your house - will it be you?
• Is there a public path or bridleway running through your garden or adjacent to the boundary?

You will probably spend weeks looking for your new home, but how long will you spend thinking about who provides the answers to these and other questions. Many people assume a 'local authority' search is provided by the local district council, but this is not always the case. Your solicitor may use the local council or he/she may use a personal search company.

At first glance, a personal search company search appears to offer a cheaper alternative to a search undertaken by the local authority. Remember, anyone can set themselves up as a personal search agent. Before proceeding make sure, at the very least, the personal search company is using trained/experienced agents and has adequate insurance cover. If you have any queries regarding the information provided in the search you will have to go back to the search company; the council's land charges staff will not be to make comment on or give other assistance regarding an externally produced search.

Take the time to find out what is on offer, make an informed choice. A local authority search is all about accuracy.

At North Norfolk the turnaround time for a standard search is one/two working days (the majority of searches are returned within 24 hours of receipt). The fee for a standard search is currently £96.

For information about local authority searches please contact the Land Charges on 01263 516013