Chancel Repair
The history of chancel repair searches dates back prior to 1189 and is linked with the old right of the church to collect tithes.
Although tithe liability has ceased and private individuals have acquired much of the land previously owned by the church, the liability for repairs to the parish church can remain attached to the land.
The absence of any formal ‘notice’ relating to the liability on any of the normal conveyancing documents means it will not be revealed by the standard conveyancing searches. As the liability for payment could be substantial, it is something that the homebuyer needs to be made aware of.
We can conduct a chancel repair search on your behalf and this will identify whether liability exists and specify the apportionment between the plots of land subject to it.
What will a chancel repair search cover?
A chancel repair search will reveal whether a certain property
is liable to contribute towards repairs at the local parish church.
It is not uncommon to find such liabilities affecting ordinary dwellings
on housing estates, although it is more likely to affect rural properties
rather than urban ones.
Costs and timescales
| Turnaround: | A search generally takes 10 to 15 working days to complete |
| Cost: | £127.50 including VAT & the National Archives copying fee |
| Order now: | Order online or call our customer service team on 0800 023 2378 |
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