Search company warns that new forms may trigger conveyancing delays

A search company says the introduction of new search forms aimed at making council reporting easier to understand may lead to slight delays.

Searches UK says changes to the forms CON29, CON29O and CON29DW start on Monday July 4. 

The changes to CON29 & CON29O intend to make interpreting the data obtained from councils more straightforward and more consistent, while changes to CON29DW form are seeking to ensure the most up to date information is submitted. 

However, Searches UK is telling it clients that there may be “slight delays” in returning any CON29R and/or CON29O forms submitted between June 30 and July 2 while the new forms are introduced.

Local authority searches were also due to start incorporating a VAT charge into their searches, although this has been deferred for a second time until further notice.

The official guidance on the new forms from the Law Society states:

If a current CON 29R and/or CON 29O search is received in electronic or paper form before the end of July 1 2016, the local authority will provide replies to the current form.

If a current form is received electronically at any time on July 2 2016 or later, replies will be provided to the new CON 29 and CON 29O enquiries.

If a current form is received by post, DX or by hand at any time on July 2 2016 or later, it is for the local authority to decide whether to provide replies to the new or current form.

If a current form is still being processed after the end of July 1 2016 (whenever the form was received previously) (eg it was entered on local authority systems before or on July 1 and is still being processed after that date), the local authority will provide replies to the current form.

[On July 4 2016] the new CON 29 and CON 29O forms will go live and local authorities will accept the new forms commencing on this date.