Frequently asked questions

How much does a CON29 search cost in your borough?
Full residential search is £100, a full commercial search is £232.

Do you accept a client’s personal cheque?
Yes.

Do I need to include a plan of the property with my search request?
Yes, you will need to include a copy of a plan to scale 1:1250 showing the property/area to be searched clearly marked or edged in red.

Do you have an expedited search service?
No, but you are invited to contact the service for a chat as we will endeavour to meet your demands.

How do I find out the progress of my search once it has been submitted?
You are invited to contact the local land charges service by telephone and we will advise you the date the search request has been received, the current position and the expected date of return.

Do you answer questions on drainage?
No, you will need to direct your questions to:-
Thames Water Property Insight
PO Box 3189, Slough, SL1 4WW
www.twpropertyinsight.co.uk
Tel:- 0118 925 1504
Fax:- 0118 923 6655 or 0118 923 6657
Document Exchange:- DX 151280 Slough 13

How long are the results of my search valid for?
The answer will differ depending on the person providing the answer. From a local land charges point of view, the official certificate of search is only valid from the date of issue. However, conveyancers and money lenders have agreed an unwritten rule that the certificate is valid for up to three months.

Before I submit my search, how can I be sure the property lies within your area?
If the search property/parcel of land is within the Luton borough boundary, Luton will be the administration area. However, some property addresses are in Luton but outside the borough boundary. You will need to apply to Central Bedfordshire Council for the following properties, Chalkdown, Cromer Way (part Luton/part Central Bedfordshire), Dovedale, Furze Close, Farmbrook, Ingram Gardens, Lavender Close, Poynters Road (part Luton/part Central Bedfordshire), Saffron Close, The Belfry, Thyme Close, Troon Gardens, Wiseman Close, and Yately Close.

Does my property qualify for Stamp Duty Land Tax relief?
Properties within two wards of the Luton borough boundary may be subject to stamp duty exemption.  The two wards are Biscot and Dallow.  You are advised to contact the Stamp Office Helpline direct.  This line - 0845 603 0135 - is open weekdays from 8.30am to 5pm and deals with all initial enquiries relating to the operation of Stamp Duty Land Tax.

Need free legal advice?
The Luton Law Centre is an independent organisation and is a registered charity.  They provide free and confidential legal advice and assistance.  You can contact them at
Luton Law Centre
6th Floor
Cresta House
Alma Street
Luton
LU1 2PL
Tel 01582 481000
Fax 01582 482581
Email [email protected]