16 November 2006

The 12 councils of Surrey have launched a new online service designed to help residents to find a property more quickly.

Under the new system, movers will be able to complete a local land charges search on the Internet, cutting the time taken to complete the process.

In addition to helping residents move home more quickly, the new portal is also designed to assist solicitors by saving them time and money, PublicTechnology reports.

Furthermore, the new National Land Information Service is designed to assist local businesses to comply with the government's new home information packs (Hips), which are compulsory for sellers.

Ray Lee, head of local services at Woking Borough Council, explains: "By working together to provide a consistently high standard and fast electronic search service, the councils of Surrey will help local people and businesses reap the full benefits promised by Hips."

He added that the system will enable home movers greater speed, quality and value when searching for a property.

Hips will be made compulsory on June 1st 2007, with trials currently underway around the UK.

© Adfero Ltd

Keep up to date with industry and Nomensa news by signing up to Nomensa newsletters.