Policy

What are the immediate challenges facing the search industry?

• The implementation of the OFT’s recommendations for reform within the search industry and increased access to local authority data, following publication of the OFT’s report in September 2005.
• The Government's work on the introduction of Home Information Packs (HIPs), which searches should be included, who should provide them and on what terms.
• The development of quality standards for the property search industry incorporating standards of practice, training requirements, consumer redress and insurance. Stakeholders have said this will be essential if there is to be an open market for the provision of search reports in HIPs. Find out more about the Search Code
• The introduction of the Re-Use of Public Sector Information Regulations in July 2005 which will facilitate greater access to information held by public sector bodies, including local authorities.
• The devolution of local land charges fees and the Government's review of the prescribed fee for personal searches.

Read more about these issues:

• What's New
• Home Buying Reforms
• Scottish Home Buying Reforms
• Working with Local Authorities
• Office of Fair Trading Review
• Improved Access to Public Sector Data
• Forging Direct Links with the Land Registry
• Preparing Searches for E-Conveyancing
• Search Code