When a would-be buyer is considering purchasing a property, their solicitor should undertake a series of searches to find out more about the property. One of these is a local authority search. The search is split into two portions. The first one is known as a LLC1 search and looks at whether there are any restrictions placed upon the property or the land it sits on by the local authority. For example, if the building is listed, it would show up in this search.
The second portion is known as CON29. This covers any local authority plans to make changes to local roads, rail, or other nearby structures. For instance, if the local council was planning to build a new road along the rear of the garden at the property, it should be flagged as part of the local authority search. Other elements are covered by this portion of the search too. For example, if the property stands on contaminated land, this would be noted during the search.
As such, the local authority search is a very important piece of the puzzle to get into place if you want to be sure there are no issues (and no future issues) with the property you intend to buy. Even something as simple as a tree standing outside the boundary of your property could have a profound effect. That tree may look lovely now, but if it has a tree protection order placed on it by the local authority, it cannot be cut down, even if it eventually causes problems for your property. It could reduce daylight coming into your home, for example.
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