If you are buying or remortgaging a house you may need a local authority search. Normally you will have instructed your solicitor to do this, however you can inspect the local land charges register which forms part of the local authority search.

If your solicitor is dealing with your search, they will submit the relevant forms directly to us or they may use the National Land Information Service ( NLIS ). We will complete the search within five working days.

If there is a complication with the sale or purchase of the house, we have a refresh service for searches less than six months old.  See our 'After Search Service'.

We offer an efficient and quality service and are recommended by the Law Society.

If you rely on a personal search from a personal search company or solicitor, may we remind you that all CON29 answers are obtainable in order to complete the CON29 forms, whether it be by inspection of public registers (free of charge) or request to the local/county authority for the information at a fee.

Any information obtained other than by submission of an official search is not covered by Section 10(3) of the Local Land Charges Act 1975 which relates to compensation for loss.

More Information

• Fees
• Land and Property Gazetteer
• New Legislation
• Useful Search Contacts

Current Turnaround for a Local Authority Search:  Two working days.

Find out what's new for Local Authority Searches. NEW! (July 2008)

What have we done for you in the last year and what are we doing next?  See 'Why Choose Us?'

Help us to continually improve our service:  Email your suggestions to land.charges@ashford.gov.uk

Meet the Team:

Contact Us

Our team are always happy to help:

• Local Land Charges Department Direct Line/Fax: 01233 330284
• Or email the Land Charges Team
• Question? View our Frequently Asked Questions

Help us to answer your queries quicker by quoting the search reference number.

For more specific enquiries:

• Sue Lloyd, Land Charges Team Leader 01233 330450
• Tim Parrett, Building Control and Business Manager 01233 330275

Submit your search by the following methods: