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Introduction

On 29 September 2006, the Search Code was introduced delivering quality standards across the private property search industry.

The Search Code provides protection for homebuyers, sellers, conveyancers and mortgage lenders, who rely on the information included in property search reports undertaken on residential property within the United Kingdom.

While the Council of Property Search Organisations (CoPSO) will act as sponsor for the Search Code, all private search companies will be able to join irrespective of size or trade association membership. 

There are clear benefits in having one coordinated standard for the industry as a whole. All search reports which comply with the Search Code will include the Search Code logo.

The Search Code will incorporate the five core pillars of consumer protection:

• Prescribed good practice standards.
• An independent registration and compliance function.
• Consumer complaints procedures which are low-cost, speedy, accessible and include an Independent Adjudicator. 
• Robust insurance cover.
• Competence requirements.

With the home buying and selling process about to experience a period of rapid change, the Search Code will also evolve over time to include additional consumer protection features. 

Under the Search Code, there are key commitments covering areas such as:

• Training staff to undertake searches with thoroughness and diligence
• Provision of clear search reports, setting out the risks associated with a property
• Dealing promptly with queries raised on search reports
• Handling complaints speedily and fairly
• Maintenance of adequate and appropriate indemnity insurance cover.

Development of the Search Code >