HIP Searches.
We consider searches to be one of the most important components of a HIP. Complete and comprehensive search reports will help ensure that the conveyancing process is smooth and efficient and that your transaction will complete without delay.
There are two mandatory searches included in the HIP;
- Local Enquiries. A copy of the local land charges register relating to the property being sold (known as LLC1), plus other records held by the local authority on matters of interest to buyers, such as planning decisions and road building proposals (known as CON29R)
- Drainage and Water. The provision of drainage and water services to the property (known as CON29DW).
Searches can be commissioned from one of 2 sources, either an 'Official' search from a Local Authority, or a 'personal' search from a personal search company.
Local Authority vs Personal Searches
There are benefits and drawbacks to each type of search, however the main differences are cost and turnaround time;
- Personal search providers generally offer a flat fee price across England and Wales, whereas prices still vary hugely between different Local Authorities. Personal search providers prices are generally lower than prices charged by the Local Authorities.
- The Local Authority holds most of the information that is required by the search and as such they have the potential to respond more quickly to search requests.
Due to the fact that prices and performance still vary hugely between Local Authorities, it is not possible to quote a standard price for a HIP that includes a Local Authority search, therefore autohip includes a personal search by default, however this can be changed during the HIP ordering process.
Choosing a Personal Search Company
autohip currently offers a choice of upto 6 personal search companies depending on the area in which the property is situated: OneSearch Direct, RightSearch, Finley Associates, Assured Property Services, Searches UK and Assured Searches. We carefully monitor the performance of each of our suppliers and these performance metrics are shown below, along with some useful information about each provider to help you choose one. Be aware that autohip is funded by commission from these personal search companies and if you do not order a Personal Local Authority Search with your HIP, a platform fee of £10 will be payable.
OneSearch Direct
OneSearch Direct are our primary search provider partner. OneSearch Direct were the first search provider on the autohip platform and remain our premier search provider for the following reasons;
- Access is available to a range of management information to allow us to track and monitor progress and turnarounds
- OneSearch Direct carefully monitors turnarounds at each local authority. Where it is quicker to obtain the LLC1 information direct from the Local Authority OneSearch Direct will often do this in preference to personally collecting the LLC1 data.
- OneSearch Direct provide turnaround reports across each and every Local Authority. In turn, this helps us to communicate with our own customers and manage their expectations.
- OneSearch Direct provides a standard format and summary of the key information for all our search certificates. This facilitates the interpretation of important data. For Council produced searches, the format and presentation of data varies considerably across all the local authorities.
| OneSearch Direct Dashboard | |
|---|---|
| Total Number of searches ordered (Since April 6th 2009) | 4957 |
| Average Turnaround Time (Last 30 Days) | 20.0 days |
| Number of searches currently in progress | 5 |
| Number of searches currently outstanding more than 2 weeks | 5 (100.0%) |
| Number of searches currently outstanding more than 3 weeks | 5 (100.0%) |
| Number of searches currently outstanding more than 4 weeks | 5 (100.0%) |
OneSearch Direct Searches are fully compliant with the HIP regulations;
- OneSearch Direct are members of AHIPP, The Property Codes Compliance Board (PCCB), and COPSO. These organisations set minimum standards of quality, training, and compliance, and also demand a robust and timely complaint handling procedure.
- OneSearch Direct processes and output have been audited by the PCCB
- OneSearch Direct subscribe to the Search Code which provides protection to homebuyers, sellers, conveyancers, HIP providers and mortgage lenders - whoever relies on their reports
One Search Direct searches are based on a methodology which is unique amongst search providers and is based upon a major investment in data collection;
- One Search Direct subscribe to the minutes of all the Planning Committee meetings, and update their records within 48 hours of receipt of the information. Some Local Authorities may take longer to update their own records.
- One Search Direct collect all local newspapers across the country and immediately update their records with information captured from Public Notices. This especially tracks road traffic schemes. Again, some Local Authorities can take longer to update their own records.
- One Search Direct review government and local authority websites to ensure that they capture any relevant information that affects residential and commercial properties
- One Search Direct have recently commissioned an independent survey which has compared a sample of search results between those obtained from various local authorities, and those obtained from OneSearch Direct. This report proves the reliability and accuracy of the data collection processes
- Members of the CLG department visited One Search Direct's operation before drafting the wording of the HIP regulations. They specifically included the words “derived from” within the regulations to accommodate their unique methodology which they recognised as robust and comprehensive
Levels of insurance cover provided must comply with the HIP regulations. OneSearch Direct's insurance cover exceeds this requirement;
- OneSearch Direct offer unlimited Indemnity insurance and 'run-off' cover (this cover is honoured even if OneSearch Direct ceases trading).
- This cover insures against any inaccuracies in terms of information, supplied to us by local authorities, which leads to a diminution in value of the subject property.
Searches-UK
Searches UK pride themselves on high service levels and quick turnaround times on all types of searches. Searches UK is registered with the Property Code Compliance Board as a subscriber of the Search Code and carry £2million insurance cover on every search they carry out, which gives you added protection and peace of mind.
Searches-UK were added to the autohip platform in August 2009.
| Searches-UK Dashboard | |
|---|---|
| Total Number of searches ordered (Since April 6th 2009) | 902 |
| Average Turnaround Time (Last 30 Days) | 106.0 days |
| Number of searches currently in progress | 1 |
| Number of searches currently outstanding more than 2 weeks | 1 (100.0%) |
| Number of searches currently outstanding more than 3 weeks | 1 (100.0%) |
| Number of searches currently outstanding more than 4 weeks | 1 (100.0%) |
Loftus Law
Loftus Law Bureau Ltd (LLB) are a local company based in Bournemouth. LLB carry out HIP compliant searches throughout Dorset and areas of Hampshire. LLB has been established for over 23 years and regard themselves as the number 1 search agency in the region.
LLB are IPSA members (Association of Independent Search Agents) and are PCCB registered. (Property Code Compliance Board). Membership of both organisations requires strict adherence to codes of practice and the HIP Regulations. Many mortgage lenders insist on searches to be carried out by PCCB members. They carry £2 million Professional Indemnity cover.
LLB cover all of Dorset to include the following councils;
- Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Purbeck, East Dorset, West Dorset, North Dorset, Weymouth & Portland and the New Forest.
LLB offer a friendly and personal service together with excellent response times. Loftus Law were added to the autohip platform in February 2010.
| Loftus Law Dashboard | |
|---|---|
| Total Number of searches ordered (Since April 6th 2009) | 154 |
| Average Turnaround Time (Last 30 Days) | 0.0 days |
| Number of searches currently in progress | 1 |
| Number of searches currently outstanding more than 2 weeks | 1 (100.0%) |
| Number of searches currently outstanding more than 3 weeks | 1 (100.0%) |
| Number of searches currently outstanding more than 4 weeks | 1 (100.0%) |
Assured Property Searches
Assured Property Searches (APS) is a family run company that offers the complete range of conveyance searches for the Greater London area
APS guarantee to deliver fast, efficient and reliable searches 100% of the time. With impressive turnaround times and excellent customer service, Assured Property Searches are our preferred search provider within the London area.
Assured Property Searches were added to the autohip platform in August 2009.
| Assured Property Searches Dashboard | |
|---|---|
| Total Number of searches ordered (Since April 6th 2009) | 2208 |
| Average Turnaround Time (Last 30 Days) | 0.0 days |
| Number of searches currently in progress | 0 |
| Number of searches currently outstanding more than 2 weeks | 0 (0.0%) |
| Number of searches currently outstanding more than 3 weeks | 0 (0.0%) |
| Number of searches currently outstanding more than 4 weeks | 0 (0.0%) |
Finlay Associates
Finlay are an independent specialist company providing a complete, fast and reliable service at a competitive price. All parts of the search process are provided in house for complete control and accountability.
Finlay Associates cover Surrey, Hants and Berkshire and were added to the autohip platform in September 2009.
| Finlay Associates Dashboard | |
|---|---|
| Total Number of searches ordered (Since April 6th 2009) | 169 |
| Average Turnaround Time (Last 30 Days) | 0.0 days |
| Number of searches currently in progress | 0 |
| Number of searches currently outstanding more than 2 weeks | 0 (0.0%) |
| Number of searches currently outstanding more than 3 weeks | 0 (0.0%) |
| Number of searches currently outstanding more than 4 weeks | 0 (0.0%) |
Assured Searches
Assured Searches are are a family run business based in Bristol and covering around 10 Local Authorities in the Bristol, Somerset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire area.
They have been executive members of CoPSO since approx April 2004, are regulated by the FSA and include unlimited Search Indemnity Insurance with each search. They also have £5m PI cover and are registered with the PCCB SearchCode and supply fully HIP compliant searches.
Assured Searches are very proud of the quality of their reports and believe that that their service levels are unbeatable.
Assured Searches were added to the autohip platform in October 2009.
| Assured Searches Dashboard | |
|---|---|
| Total Number of searches ordered (Since April 6th 2009) | 377 |
| Average Turnaround Time (Last 30 Days) | 0.0 days |
| Number of searches currently in progress | 4 |
| Number of searches currently outstanding more than 2 weeks | 4 (100.0%) |
| Number of searches currently outstanding more than 3 weeks | 4 (100.0%) |
| Number of searches currently outstanding more than 4 weeks | 4 (100.0%) |
RightSearch
RightSearch were added to the autohip platform in April 2009.
| RightSearch Dashboard | |
|---|---|
| Total Number of searches ordered (Since April 6th 2009) | 3885 |
| Average Turnaround Time (Last 30 Days) | 0.0 days |
| Number of searches currently in progress | 7 |
| Number of searches currently outstanding more than 2 weeks | 7 (100.0%) |
| Number of searches currently outstanding more than 3 weeks | 7 (100.0%) |
| Number of searches currently outstanding more than 4 weeks | 7 (100.0%) |
