A Local authority search is part of the standard conveyancing process if you’re buying a property, a piece of land or leasing a property. It helps you understand any legal restrictions or obligations that apply to a property or piece of land.
Local land charges
The Official Certificate of Search form (LLC1) reveals all entries listed in the local land charges register.
From 28 April 2022, statutory searches are only available via the HMLR portal. Portsmouth City Council no longer provides this service.
CON29 enquires
Request CON29 enquiries from Portsmouth City Council using our online form.
CON29 enquiries are nationally agreed questions, including many ‘warning’ questions, the answers to which are not in the statutory registers. It provides information about planning, the environment, rights of way, and building control.
You can also request a common land search as an optional CON29 enquiry. This shows whether land or property is registered as common in the official registers kept by the council.
Turnaround time
Our current turnaround time is 15 working days, however we will return them sooner if possible.
We can only provide updates to the person or organisation who submitted the request.
Fees from 1 April 2026 (including VAT)
| Service | Fees |
|---|---|
| CON29R only | £132.00 |
| CON29O only without Con29R | £43.20 |
| CON29O with Con29R | £27.60 |
| Extra parcel of land (CON29) | £21.60 |
| Additional question – own composition | no longer available |
How to pay
You can pay:
- by credit or debit card (call 023 9284 1622)
- by cheque in advance
- payment on account (email land.charges@portsmouthcc.gov.uk for an application form)
Personal searches
A solicitor or other conveyancing professional usually applies for a local authority search on your behalf, although you can carry out a search yourself via the HMLR portal.
Drainage searches
For land search drainage enquiries, contact Southern Water at searches@southernwater.co.uk or on 0845 270 0212 (8am to 5pm).
Ownership or boundaries
For searches on ownership or boundaries, visit HM Land Registry or call them on 0300 006 0411.
Contact us
If you have any questions, contact the local land charges team:
- email land.charges@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
- phone 023 9283 4063
- phone 023 9283 4065
- phone 023 9283 4357
- write to local land charges at Portsmouth City Council, Civic Offices, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth, PO1 2PX
If you have any feedback about our service, email Helen Dickeson, Senior Solicitor, Legal Services at helen.dickeson@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.