WIREDGOV

The Council for the National Land Information Service (C-NLIS) has launched a free consumer guide to property searches. Available online, the guide can be downloaded from www.c-nlis.org.uk and is aimed at home buyers and sellers across England and Wales.

Entitled "Property Searches - Your Guide to the Facts” the guide offers practical advice and guidance on the different search options available, how to choose a search provider and gives a clear explanation on the latest home information pack (HIP) requirements.

Last month the Government published a 'good practice' guidance for local authorities and personal searchers. In a statement accompanying the guidance, it acknowledged the importance of property searches and the consumer's right to make an informed decision about a property, as early as possible in the home buying process.

C-NLIS knows from past consumer polls, that many homeowners are unaware of the importance of using the most up-to-date local authority searches. "Property searches play an essential part in the buyer's decision to proceed with the purchase, we believe that only accurate, quality search data should be used,” said C-NLIS CEO Alex Fraser.

"Research had shown us that the consumer is not always fully aware of the different types of property searches available, how to obtain them and how they fit in with Home Information Packs.” said Fraser. "Now that HIPs are required for all properties, we felt it was timely that some clear and balanced information was made available directly to consumers. We believe this guide will better equip them to deal with this mandatory element to the conveyancing process.”

The property searches guide explains where a search comes from, why searches are necessary, the different types of searches available, advise on what to ask your conveyancer and what to do if a search highlights a problem. The intention is to help develop a shared understanding of the property search market to enable consumers to make an informed choice.