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:
- Account for over 400,000 searches each year.
- Are approved by over 80 mortgage lenders who account for nearly 80% of all mortgage lending in the UK.
- Is the preferred choice of many legal firms when obtaining local search information.
Why use Synactic Ltd?
Synactic Ltd 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. In the event that the transaction aborts, we also guarantee a 100% refund of the local authority search fee when the property is situated within your local council. 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 30% to 35% and this rapid growth has come about for four distinct reasons:
- 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.
- 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.
- Speed of Delivery - personal searches can be significantly quicker compared to the time taken by local authorities to carry out searches.
- 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 5-7 working days subject to Local Authority appointments.
Do I need a plan?
We prefer a plan in all cases and particular 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 7 days. An account can also be set up by simply completing the online order form.
What if I have an extremely urgent search?
Synactic Ltd 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 here here for a full list of CML members who will accept a personal search.
What Insurance cover do you provide with your searches?
Synactic Ltd holds a £5 million indemnity cover.
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?
Synactic Ltd will provide you with a 100% refund in the event that our search proves to be unacceptable to the mortgage lender. Please click here to view a list of all current lenders who will accept a personal search.
How do I submit a search?
By website:Use the order form on this website.
By email:Send all relevant details to info@synactic.com
By Fax:Send all relevant details to 01283 564090
By Telephone: Ring 01283 565100 and we will do the rest.