Property Search North East
"Specialists in Local Authority Searches"
  Our Services
Frequently asked questions


What is a Personal Search?
Upon payment of a prescribed fee, we are entitled by law to inspect records open to public inspection held by local authorities which includes the local land charges register, planning permissions, listed and building consents, conservation area consents, highways maintainable at public expense, planning designations and proposals, enforcement and stop notices, breach of condition and planning contravention notice, tree preservation orders and contaminated land. We also obtain information from other professional bodies.

Why use a Personal Search Agent?
Personal Search Agents play an increasingly important role in the home buying process and:


• Are the preferred choice of many legal firms when obtaining local search information. All conveyancing searches can also be undertaken at the same time,  saving your time and valuable resources.


• Are approved by over 90 mortgage lenders who account for nearly 90% of all mortgage lending in the UK.

Why use Property Search North East?
Property Search North East provides national coverage throughout England & Wales and offer a highly professional, personal and competitively priced service with a wide range of products for all of your conveyancing needs.

Our team of experienced search agents also have a background in planning and land charges which enhances their ability to ascertain the correct information on all the searches we carry out.

Please contact us if you require any sample reports.

How large is the Personal Search Market?
In the mid to late 1990’s, personal search companies accounted for around 5% of all local searches. In recent years this has grown to approximately 50% to 55% and this rapid growth has come about for four distinct reasons:

1. Service – personal search companies compete with both one another and local authorities to provide their clients with a comprehensive service in order they may make informed decisions.
2. Cost Advantage – the fees levied by personal search companies are generally lower than the fees charged by local authorities when undertaking the searches direct. This reflects a commitment to providing a value for money service.
3. Speed of Delivery – personal searches can be significantly quicker compared to the time taken by local authorities to carry out searches.
4. Diversity – personal search agencies can provide a wide range of reporting services including Environmental Reports, CON 29 Drainage & Water Reports, Chancel Repairs and Personal Local Authority Searches throughout England & Wales, providing the busy conveyancer with considerable savings on administration.

How long will a search take to complete?

All searches are normally returned within 5 working days subject to Local Authority appointments.

Do I need a plan?
We prefer a plan in all cases and particularly when the property is located within a rural area or new development. However, the lack of a plan need not delay the submission of a new search enquiry to us, as we will still be able to instigate a number of our enquiries.

How do I pay and when?
An invoice is sent out with each report and is payable within 14 days.

What if I have an extremely urgent search?
Property Search North East will endeavour to meet any urgent deadlines you are attempting to meet. Local authority searches are normally undertaken on an appointment basis only, and we will do our very best to accommodate your needs. Please contact us in order that we can confirm a precise turnaround time.

Which Lenders accept a Personal Search?
Please visit the CML website for a list of members who will accept a personal search.

What Insurance cover do you provide with your searches?
Property Search North East holds a £2 million indemnity cover, together with £.25 million adverse entry cover for each individual property.

My client requires more detailed information on the area surrounding the property.
We are agents and approved re sellers for a number of additional products including CON 29 DW search, Environmental reports, Coal, Mining & Chancel reports and with Plansearch Plus provides a wealth of essential planning and neighbourhood information to homebuyers in mainland Great Britain.

What do I do about non- participating lenders?
Property Search North East can also provide you with Full Local Authority Searches in the event that the lender does not accept Personal Local Authority Searches.

How do I submit a search?
By website: Use the order form on this website.
By email: Send all details to info@propertysearchnortheast.co.uk.
By Telephone: Ring 0191 2136666 or fax 0191 213 6677 and we will do the rest.

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The Stables, Wolsingham Road, Gosforth, Newcastle, NE3 4RP 0191 213 6666 or 07708675911 info@propertysearchnortheast.co.uk