FAQs

How long will it take to get a local authority search?

Around 80% of the local authorities in England and Wales are now able to produce searches in less than six working days, in fact the national average time to produce a search via NLIS is 5.1 days.

Performance times look set to improve further still as more Authorities move towards the automated processing of enquiries via the National Land Information Service (NLIS). Local Authorities are also working with Land Data to improve access to data for private search firms, although this is still at an early stage.

What is the shelf life of a local authority search?

Land and property conveyancing takes time, and consequently solicitors have agreed to adopt an extended shelf life for searches. Most conveyancers will rely on a search which is less than three months old.

What if there is a problem?

As with any complex data process errors can occasionally occur in a search report, but redress is available, whether a private search company or a Local Authority has been used. It is a modern day myth to believe that Local Authorities are not insured, or that they are difficult to deal with. Not only do Local Authorities stand fully behind their search information, but their insurance companies are often some of the largest in the country.

However, sometimes insurance is not the answer and money simply cannot compensate. This is where Local Authorities can offer more than any other market player. They can offer to revoke or revise their plans, they can quash notices, resolving problems without the need for protracted negotiation and extended worry for the consumer.

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