A Personal Search is a search of the local land charges register and other statutory registers held by the council that are open for public inspection during office hours. A Personal Search allows access to limited property information and is not as comprehensive as the local authority search. There are no standard forms required in order to carry out a Personal Search and it is your responsibility to obtain information relating to the property being searched from council records.

Details of the records available for inspection can be obtained from the local land charges department.

How to request a Personal Search

To carry out a Personal Search you must make an appointment with the local land charges department. Appointments are available between the hours of 10.00am to 12 noon and 2.00pm to 4.00pm Monday to Friday. We need 24 hours notice of when you want to do the personal search. You must also provide your name and address and be prepared to identify the land against which you want to search.

There is a limit to the number of Personal Searches that can be done: currently four searches per company/individual per day.

A separate appointment may also have to be made with other council departments who hold records that can be inspected as part of the personal search.

Fees

There is a fee of £11.00 for carrying out a Personal Search of the local land charges register