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LENDER CHECK

Will your lender accept a Regulated Local Authority Search or do you need to request a quote for a Council Sourced (Official) Local Authority Search?

Lender Name
Accepts Regulated Searches
Requirements
Accord Buy to Let
Yes
Yes, subject to the requirements listed in Part 1 and provided you give an unqualified Certificate of Title. You must ensure that the search firm subscribes to the Search Code maintained by the Council of Property Search Organisations and monitored by the Property Codes Compliance Board.
Accord Mortgages Ltd
Yes
Yes these are acceptable provided 1)the search firm subscribes to the Search Code as monitored and regulated by the Property Codes Compliance Board (PCCB) 2)the requirements listed in Part 1 of this Handbook are met and 3) provided you give an unqualified Certificate of Title.
Adam & Company
Yes
Yes, provided they are undertaken by a reputable search agent who has adequate professional indemnity insurance and you can still give a clear Certificate of Title.
Adam & Company International
Yes
Yes, provided they are undertaken by a reputable search agent who has adequate professional indemnity insurance and you can still give a clear Certificate of Title. indemnity insurance and you can still give a clear Certificate of Title.
Ahli United Bank (UK) plc
Please refer to Central Administration Unit
Aldermore Bank PLC
Yes
Yes, subject to the requirements set out in paragraph 5.4.7 and 5.4.8 of Part 1 and any firm carrying out a personal search being registered under The Search Code monitored by the Property Codes Compliance Board.
Allied Irish Bank (GB), a trading name of AIB Group (UK)
Refer to AIB Group (UK) plc, Central Securities (GB), 92 Anne Street, Belfast, BT1 3H
Atom Bank plc
Yes
Yes provided that they are undertaken by a reputable search agent who subscribes to the search code, as monitored by the Property Codes Compliance Board, is registered with the Council of Property Search Organisations, has adequate professional indemnity insurance and where you can still give a clear certificate of title.
Aviva Equity Release UK Ltd
Yes
Yes, to personal searches carried out by firms registered under CoPSO.
Bank of China
No
Bank of Ireland (UK) plc
Yes
Only personal searches carried out by firms registered under The Search Code, monitored by the Property Codes Compliance Board.
Bank of Ireland as Bank of Ireland Mortgages
Yes
We accept only personal searches carried out by firms registered under The Search Code, monitored by the Property Codes Compliance Board.
Bank of Scotland Beginning A
Yes
Yes, subject to paragraphs 5.4.7 and 5.4.8. We recommend that any firm carrying out a personal search is a member of an appropriate trade body, with established standards; has adequate insurance in place and is a member of an industry trade body that abide by the Property Ombudsman scheme www.tpos.co.uk.
Bank of Scotland Beginning O
Yes
Yes, subject to paragraphs 5.4.7 and 5.4.8. We recommend that any firm carrying out a personal search is a member of an appropriate trade body, with established standards; has adequate insurance in place and is a member of an industry trade body that abide by the Property Ombudsman scheme www.tpos.co.uk.
Barclays Bank UK PLC
Yes
Yes, at the Conveyancer’s own risk and subject to paragraphs 5.4.7 and 5.4.8 and provided that any firm carrying out a personal search is a member of an appropriate trade body, with established standards; has adequate insurance in place and is a member of an industry trade body that abide by the Property Ombudsman Scheme: www.tpos.co.uk.
Barnsley Building Soc, a trading name Yorkshire Building Soc
Yes, these are acceptable provided 1) the search firm subscribes to the Search Code as monitored and regulated by the Property Codes Compliance Board (PCCB); 2) the requirements listed in Part 1 of this Handbook are met and 3) you give an unqualified Certificate of Title.
Birmingham Midshires
Yes
Yes, subject to paragraphs 5.4.7 and 5.4.8. We recommend that any firm carrying out a personal search is a member of an appropriate trade body, with established standards; has adequate insurance in place and is a member of an industry trade body that abide by the Property Ombudsman scheme www.tpos.co.uk.
Bluestone Mortgages
Yes
Yes, provided that the search firm subscribes to the Search Code as monitored and regulated by the Property Codes Compliance Board, that the requirements listed in Part 1 of this Handbook are met, and that you give an unqualified Certificate of Title.
Bradford & Bingley Limited
Yes
Only personal searches carried out in accordance with the Search Code monitored by the PCCB
Britannia, a trading name of The Cooperative Bank plc
Yes
We only accept personal searches carried out by firms registered under The Search Code, monitored by the Property Codes Compliance Board
Buckinghamshire Building Society
No
CHL Mortgages
No
Chelsea Building Society (a trading name of Yorkshire BS)
Yes
Yes these are acceptable provided 1) the search firm subscribes to the Search Code as monitored and regulated by the Property Codes Compliance Board (PCCB) 2) the requirements listed in Part 1 of this Handbook are met and 3)you give an unqualified Certificate of Title.
Clydesdale Bank plc
Yes
Yes provided the firm is registered with the Council of Property Search Organisations and subscribes to the Search Code monitored by the Property Codes Compliance Board and also that the requirements under sections 5.4.7 and 5.4.8 of Part 1 are met.
Co-operative Bank plc
Yes
We only accept personal searches carried out by firms registered under The Search Code, monitored by the Property Codes Compliance Board
Coutts
Yes
Yes, provided they are undertaken by a reputable search agent who has adequate professional indemnity insurance and you can still give a clear Certificate of Title.
Coutts Finance Co
Yes
Yes, provided they are undertaken by a reputable search agent who has adequate professional indemnity insurance and you can still give a clear Certificate of Title.
Coventry Building Society
Yes
Yes, provided the Search Agent subscribes to the Search Code, monitored by the PCCB.
Cynergy Bank
Yes
We accept personal searches provided these enable the solicitor firm or licensed conveyance firm to provide a clear certificate of title.
DB UK Bank Ltd
No
Danske Bank
Yes
Yes, provided that: searches are carried out in accordance with the Search Code monitored by the Property Codes Compliance Board; the search agency has adequate Professional Indemnity Insurance; the requirements listed in Part 1 (paragraph 5.4.7) are satisfied; and you give an unqualified Certificate of Title.
Darlington Building Society
See condition
Yes, for remortgages only. Search firm must subscribe to the Search Code, monitored by the PCCB.
Dudley Building Society
Yes
Yes, providing the requirements under section 5.4.7 are satisfied.
Ecology Building Society
Yes
Yes, search firm must subscribe to the Search Code, monitored by PCCB
Family Building Soc (a trading name of National Counties BS)
Yes
Yes. Search firm must subscribe to the Search Code, monitored by the Property Codes Compliance Board.
First Direct
Yes
Yes, provided the firm is registered with the Council of Property Search Organisations (CoPSO), has adequate professional indemnity insurance and states that it complies with the Code of Practice for Search Compliers and Retailers.
Fleet Mortgages
Yes
Personal Searches in respect of local authority searches are acceptable provided the search firm subscribes to the Search Code, is registered with the Council of Property Search Organisations (CoPSO) and provided that an unqualified Certificate of Title is provided by the conveyancer.
Foundation Home Loans
Yes
Yes, subject to the requirements set out in Part 1 and provided you give an unqualified Certificate of Title. You must ensure that the search agent subscribes to the Search Code maintained by the Council of Property Search Organisations and monitored by the Property Codes Compliance Board.
Furness Building Society
Yes
Yes, subject to the solicitor ensuring adequate indemnity insurance is in place. The search code monitored by the Property Codes Compliance Board only.
Generation Home
Yes
Yes, provided the search agent has adequate professional indemnity insurance and that the search firm subscribes to the Search Code maintained by the Council of Property.
Godiva Mortgages Ltd
Yes
Yes, provided the Search Agent subscribes to the Search Code, monitored by the PCCB.
HSBC UK Bank plc
Yes
Yes, provided the firm is registered with the Council of Property Search Organisations (CoPSO), has adequate professional indemnity insurance and states that it complies with the Code of Practice for Search Compilers and Retailers.
Habito
Yes
Yes, provided the firm is registered with the Council of Property Search Organisations (CoPSO), has adequate professional indemnity insurance and states that it complies with the Code of Practice for Search Compliers and Retailers.
Halifax
Yes
Yes, subject to paragraphs 5.4.7 and 5.4.8. We recommend that any firm carrying out a personal search is a member of an appropriate trade body, with established standards; has adequate insurance in place and is a member of an industry trade body that abide by the Property Ombudsman scheme www.tpos.co.uk.
Halifax Loans Ltd
Yes
Yes, subject to paragraphs 5.4.7 and 5.4.8. We recommend that any firm carrying out a personal search is a member of an appropriate trade body, with established standards; has adequate insurance in place and is a member of an industry trade body that abide by the Property Ombudsman scheme www.tpos.co.uk.
Hampden & Co. plc
Yes
Yes, provided they are undertaken by a reputable search agent who has adequate professional indemnity insurance and you can still give a clear Certificate of Title.
Handelsbanken
Yes
Yes, provided that the search agent has adequate professional indemnity insurance and you can still give a clear Certificate of Title.
Harpenden Building Society
Yes
Yes, where time does not permit an official search, and where the following conditions are met; A reputable search provider is used who has adequate professional indemnity insurance that covers successors in title without limitation. The firm is registered with the Council of Property Search Organisations and subscribes to the Search Code monitored by the Property Codes Compliance Board and you can still give a clear certificate of Title. The requirements under sections 5.4.7 and 5.4.8 of Part 1 can still be met The conveyancer does so at his own risk.
Hinckley and Rugby Building Society
See condition
Not for House Purchase Mortgages. Acceptable for remortgage loans only and subject to your own risk, provided that the Personal Search company is registered under the Independent Property Codes Compliance Board, ensuring that they comply with the Search Code monitored by the PCCB, and the appropriate indemnity is in place.
Hodge
Yes
Yes provided: i) that the requirements of 5.4.7 and 5.4.8 are satisfied, ii) an unqualified certificate of title is given to us and, iii) the conveyancer does so at his own risk. Also the search firm used must be registered under The Search Code monitored by the Property Codes Compliance Board (PCCB).
Hodge Equity Release
Yes
Yes provided: i) that the requirements of 5.4.7 and 5.4.8 are satisfied, ii) an unqualified certificate of title is given to us and, iii) the conveyancer does so at his own risk. Also the search firm used must be registered under The Search Code monitored by the Property Codes Compliance Board (PCCB).
Holmesdale Building Society
Yes
yes as an exception when covered by suitable insurance indemnity and providing cover extends to purchasers lenders. For personal serach carried out by firms registered under particular code of practice we accept searched carried out in accordance with the Search Code monitored by the PCCB.
ITL Mortgages
Yes
Yes - provided the Search Agent subscribe to the Search Code, monitored by the PCCB
Intelligent Finance
Yes
Yes, subject to paragraphs 5.4.7 and 5.4.8. We recommend that any firm carrying out a personal search is a member of an appropriate trade body, with established standards; has adequate insurance in place and is a member of an industry trade body that abide by the Property Ombudsman scheme www.tpos.co.uk.
Investec Bank plc
No
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A
Yes
Yes provided the firm is registered with the Council of Property Search Organisations and subscribes to the Search Code monitored by the Property Codes Compliance Board and also that the requirements under sections 5.4.7 and 5.4.8 of Part 1 are met.
Kensington Mortgage Company Ltd
See condition
No, we do not accept all personal searches without limitations. Our requirements as to personal searches are as set out in paragraphs 5.4.7 bullet one and two of Part 1. Personal searches are carried out at the solicitors' own risk provided adequate insurance is in place.
Kent Reliance (a trading name of OneSavings Bank plc)
Yes
Personal Searches are acceptable provided the search firm subscribes to the Search Code as monitored and regulated by the Property Codes Compliance Board and provided that an unqualified Certificate of Title is provided.
Keystone Property Finance
No
Landbay Partners Limited
Yes
Yes, at the Conveyancers own risk and the requirements listed in Part 1 of this Handbook are met. Criteria: Backed by minimum £2 million Professional Indemnity Insurance. The gross loan must be below the limit of indemnity. The search provider must subscribe to the search code as monitored and regulated by the Property Codes Compliance Board (PCCB) and is registered with the Council of Property Search Organisations (CoPSO). An unqualified Certificate of Title is provided by the conveyancer. The requirements under sections 5.4.7 and 5.4.8 of Part 1 are met.
Landmark Mortgages Limited
Yes
Yes, but the conveyancer does so at their own risk.
Leeds Building Society
Yes
Yes, provided that: • searches are carried out in accordance with the Search Code monitored by the Property Codes Compliance Board; • the search agency has adequate Professional Indemnity Insurance; • the requirements listed in Part 1 (paragraph 5.4.7) are satisfied; and • you give an unqualified Certificate of Title.
Legal & General Home Finance Ltd
Yes
The search agency must have adequate professional indemnity insurance and you must be able to provide an unqualified certificate of title.
LendInvest
No
LiveMore Capital
No
Lloyds Bank plc pre fixed 20/40
Yes
Yes, subject to paragraphs 5.4.7 and 5.4.8. We recommend that any firm carrying out a personal search is a member of an appropriate trade body, with established standards; has adequate insurance in place and is a member of an industry trade body that abide by the Property Ombudsman scheme www.tpos.co.uk.
Lloyds Bank plc pre fixed 50/30/77
Yes
Yes, subject to paragraphs 5.4.7 and 5.4.8. We recommend that any firm carrying out a personal search is a member of an appropriate trade body, with established standards; has adequate insurance in place and is a member of an industry trade body that abide by the Property Ombudsman scheme www.tpos.co.uk.
Lloyds TSB Scotland plc
Yes
Yes, subject to paragraphs 5.4.7 and 5.4.8. We recommend that any firm carrying out a personal search is a member of an appropriate trade body, with established standards; has adequate insurance in place and is a member of an industry trade body that abide by the Property Ombudsman scheme www.tpos.co.uk.
M&S Bank
Yes
Yes, provided the firm is registered with the Council of Property Search Organisations (CoPSO), has adequate indemnity insurance and states that it complies with the Search Code
MPowered Mortgages
See Condition
Personal searches in respect of local authority searches are acceptable for remortgages (excluding properties £1 million or more, Houses in Multiple Occupation or Multi-Unit Blocks) provided the search firm used subscribes to the Search Code and is registered with the Council of Property Search Organisations (CoPSO). The search providers must have indemnity insurance cover that covers successors in title without limitation and the conveyancers must provide an unqualified Certificate of Title.
Magellan Homeloans
Yes
Yes, provided they are undertaken by a reputable search agent who has adequate professional indemnity insurance and you can still give an unqualified Certificate of Title. In addition, you may accept Chancel Repair Insurance on our behalf without referral, if you are satisfied that it provides adequate protection.
Manchester Building Society
Yes
Yes, subject to firms complying with their own procedures and indemnity cover
Market Harborough Building Society
Yes
Yes
Masthaven Bank
Yes
Yes, provided that the search firm subscribes to the Search Code as monitored and regulated by the Property Codes Compliance Board, that the requirements listed in Part 1 of the Handbook are met, and that you give an unqualified Certificate of Title.
Metro Bank plc
Yes
Yes, subject to paragraphs 5.4.7 and 5.4.8. We recommend that any firm carrying out a personal search is registered under The Search Code monitored by the Property Codes Compliance Board.
Molo Finance
Yes
Yes, provided the firm is registered with the Council of Property Search Organisations (CoPSO), has adequate professional indemnity insurance and states that it complies with the Code of Practice for Search Compliers and Retailers.
Monmouthshire Building Society
Yes
Personal searches must satisfy the requirements of paragraphs 5.4.7 and 5.4.8. Contact: Lending Operations Department Monmouthshire Building Society Monmouthshire House John Frost Square Newport NP20 1PX
Mortgage Agency Services
No
Mortgage Express
Yes
Only personal searches carried out in accordance with the Search Code monitored by the PCCB.
NRAM Ltd
Yes
Yes, but the conveyancer does so at their own risk.
National Counties Building Society
Yes
Yes. Search firm must subscribe to the Search Code, monitored by the Property Codes Compliance Board.
National Westminster Bank plc
Yes
Yes, provided that the search agent has adequate professional indemnity insurance and you can still give a clear Certificate of Title.
Nationwide Building Society
Yes
Yes providing the requirements under sections 5.4.7 and 5.4.8 in Part 1 are satisfied. If you intend on using a personal search then please be aware that this will be at your own risk. However, we recommend that any firm carrying out a personal search are registered with a relevant trade association, have an appropriate level of insurance (the policy must cover both the Lender and the borrower) and are members of an industry trade body that abide by the Property Ombudsman scheme. You must ensure that the borrower is fully aware that a personal search is being carried out and any limitations are explained in full.
Nedbank Private Wealth Ltd
No
New Street Mortgages
See Condition
No, we do not accept all personal searches without limitations. Our requirements as to personal searches are as set out in paragraphs 5.4.7 bullet one and two of Part 1. Personal searches are carried out at the solicitors' own risk provided adequate insurance is in place.
Paragon Buy to Let Mortgages
No
Paragon Residential OwnerOccupied Mortgages
No
Paratus AMC Ltd
Yes
Yes, subject to the requirements set out in Part 1 and provided you give an unqualified Certificate of Title. You must ensure that the search agent subscribes to the Search Code maintained by the Council of Property Search Organisations and monitored by the Property Codes Compliance Board.
Parity Trust
No
Pepper Money
No
Pepper Money (PUK)
No
Platform (a trading name of The Cooperative Bank p.l.c.)
Yes
We only accept personal searches carried out by firms regulated under The Search Code, monitored by the Property Codes Compliance Board.
Precise Mortgages (Charter Court Financial Services Ltd)
Yes
Personal Searches are acceptable provided the search firm subscribes to the Search Code as monitored and regulated by the Property Codes Compliance Board and provided that an unqualified Certificate of Title is provided.
Principality Building Society
Yes
Yes provided: i) that the requirements of 5.4.7 and 5.4.8 are satisfied, ii) an unqualified certificate of title is given to us and, iii) the conveyancer does so at his own risk. Also the search firm used must be registered under The Search Code monitored by the Property Codes Compliance Board (PCCB).
Reliance Bank Ltd
Yes
Yes provided the company used to provide the searches have indemnity cover of £1,000,000
Rooftop Mortgages Ltd
Yes
Yes provided the firm is registered with the Council of Property Search Organisations and subscribes to the Search Code monitored by the Property Codes Compliance Board and also that the requirements under sections 5.4.7 and 5.4.8 of Part 1 are met.
Saffron Building Society
Yes
Yes, at the Conveyancer’s own risk and subject to the requirements set out in paragraph 5.4.7 of Part 1 of the Handbook. It is recommended that the firm subscribes to the Search Code, monitored by the Property Code Compliance Board
Sainsbury's Bank
Yes
Yes, so long as the conditions set out in section 5.4.7 of Part 1 are satisfied.
Santander UK plc
Yes
Yes- subject to the following. Search firm must subscribe to the Search Code, monitored by the Property Codes Compliance Board.
Scottish Building Society
Yes
Yes, provided that: searches are carried out in accordance with the Search Code monitored by the Property Codes Compliance Board, the search agency has adequate Professional Indemnity Insurance, the requirements listed in Part 1 of this handbook (paragraph 5.4.7) are satisfied; and you give an unqualified Certificate of Title.
Scottish Widows Bank
Yes
Yes, subject to paragraphs 5.4.7 and 5.4.8. We recommend that any firm carrying out a personal search is a member of an appropriate trade body, with established standards; has adequate insurance in place and is a member of an industry trade body that abide by the Property Ombudsman scheme www.tpos.co.uk.
Secure Trust Bank PLC
Yes
Yes, subject to the requirements set out in paragraph 5.4.7 and 5.4.8 of Part 1. We recommend that any firm carrying out a personal search is registered under The Search Code monitored by the Property Codes Compliance Board.
Skipton Building Society
Yes
Yes, at your risk, if time does not permit an official search.
State Bank of India UK
No
Swansea Building Society
Yes
Yes - provided the search firm subscribes to the Search Code and is monitored by the PCCB
TSB Bank plc
Yes
We accept personal searches carried out by qualified agents with suitable indemnity insurance.
The Mortgage Business
Yes
Yes, subject to paragraphs 5.4.7 and 5.4.8. We recommend that any firm carrying out a personal search is a member of an appropriate trade body, with established standards; has adequate insurance in place and is a member of an industry trade body that abide by the Property Ombudsman scheme www.tpos.co.uk.
The Mortgage Lender Limited
Yes
Yes, provided the search agent has adequate professional indemnity insurance and you can still give a clear Certificate of Title.
The Mortgage Works
Yes
Yes, providing the requirements under section 5.4.7 and 5.4.8 in Part 1 are satisfied. If you intend on using a personal search then please be aware that this will be at your own risk. However, we recommend that any firm carrying out a personal search are registered with a relevant trade association, have an appropriate level of insurance (the policy must cover both the Lender and the borrower) and are members of an industry trade body that abide by the Property Ombudsman scheme. You must ensure that the borrower is fully aware that a personal search is being carried out and any limitations are explained in full.
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc
Yes
Yes, provided that the search agent has adequate professional indemnity insurance and you can still give a clear Certificate of Title.
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc Direct Line Mortgages
Yes
Yes, provided that the search agent has adequate professional indemnity insurance and you can still give a clear Certificate of Title.
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc Direct Line One
Yes
Yes, provided that the search agent has adequate professional indemnity insurance and you can still give a clear Certificate of Title.
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc First Active
Yes
Yes, provided that the search agent has adequate professional indemnity insurance and you can still give a clear Certificate of Title.
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc Natwest one Account
Yes
Yes, provided that the search agent has adequate professional indemnity insurance and you can still give a clear Certificate of Title.
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc One Account
Yes
Yes, provided that the search agent has adequate professional indemnity insurance and you can still give a clear Certificate of Title.
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc Virgin One
Yes
Yes, provided that the search agent has adequate professional indemnity insurance and you can still give a clear Certificate of Title.
The Tipton & Coseley Building Society
Yes
Search firm must subscribe to the Search Code, monitored by PCCB.
Together Personal Finance Limited
Yes
Yes as long as the conditions set out in 5.4.7 of Part 1 are satisfied.
Topaz Finance Ltd
Yes
The Search Code monitored by the PCCB.
Ulster Bank
Yes
Yes, provided that the search agent has adequate professional indemnity insurance and you can still give a clear Certificate of Title.
Vida Homeloans
No
Virgin Money
Yes
Yes, but the conveyancer does so at their own risk.
Whistletree (a trading name of TSB Bank plc)
Yes
We accept personal searches carried out by qualified agents with suitable indemnity insurance
Yorkshire Bank Home Loans Ltd
Yes
Yes provided the firm is registered with the Council of Property Search Organisations and subscribes to the Search Code monitored by the Property Codes Compliance Board and also that the requirements under sections 5.4.7 and 5.4.8 of Part 1 are met.
Yorkshire Building Society
Yes
Yes, these are acceptable provided 1) the search firm subscribes to the Search Code as monitored and regulated by the Property Codes Compliance Baord (PCCB) 2) the requirements listed in Part 1 of this Handbook being met and 3) you give an unqualified Certificate of Title.
Zephyr Homeloans
Yes
Personal Searches are permitted. The firm instructing the search must ensure that the search provider complies with the Search Code, is registered with the Council of Property Search Organisations (CoPSO), and has adequate indemnity insurance.
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