The Land Registry announces Local Land Charge Searches prototype

As a way to strengthen the services at each council's local charge register, The Land Registry are looking to introduce a digitised central register. This aims at improving the efficiency of their public service so that all property searches will be provided at a standardised price, format and turnaround time.

They have announced which councils have been selected to test the prototype which will run until December 2013 alongside the current service. If the prototype is effective and the concept is approved, legislation will require all councils to implement the changes.

The local authorities that have been selected are:

• Sefton
• Liverpool
• Denbighshire
• Newark and Sherwood
• Swindon
• Havant
• Watford

Jonathan Smithers, Chair of the Law Society Conveyancing and Land Law Committee, said: "Digitising local land charge information could be the start of something that is good news for everyone, from home buyers to mortgage lenders and conveyancers, as it could make the collection of information in the conveyancing process more straightforward."
 

"The digitisation could result in standardised fees, response times and general service levels. Consumers could be given more certain information about conveyancing costs; currently the cost of a local authority search depends on the location of the property."
 

"It could also make the information that home buyers and their mortgage lenders need more readily available and useable."

Should you wish to discuss our conveyancing services or if you are interested in searches for a property you are buying, feel free to contact our property solicitors at Leigh Bailey.

Remember, we don't just work with clients in the Preston area. Wherever you are in the country, our team can help!

Ellen Court Partnership
Specialist Preston Conveyancing Solicitors