FAQ How much will it cost? This varies greatly and depends on the amount and nature of work involved. Fees are charged at an hourly rate and outlays are added to this when we have to pay to access records. We can give an estimate or work up to an agreed limit. A very simple enquiry could cost less than £100 + VAT, but an average figure for a typical enquiry would be more like £400 + VAT.
How long will it take to get an answer? This varies depending on the complexity of the problem. Occasionally, we may be able to find the answer to some or all of a query on the same day, although more usually we need to view deeds at Register House or wait for copies to be provided. Most enquiries can be dealt with within 1-2 weeks, but very complex cases can take longer.
Do you always find an answer? The nature of some property titles as well as other common issues such as the unavailability of copies of plans for older titles can sometimes leave uncertainty in the conclusions we are able to draw. What we do is carry out an exhaustive search to identify and obtain all relevant title information and then draw what conclusions we are able to from this.
Can you work on a 'no win no fee' basis? Unfortunately we generally are not able to carry out searches on the basis of a ‘no win no fee’ or similar proviso. For one thing we have to pay to access the records that we use. Furthermore, a 'successful' result does not always equate to the same thing in every case and can be hard to quantify. For example, in a case where despite all efforts an owner still cannot be identified, that is in itself a conclusion which is of significance and can be of use (e.g. as part of the process of registering a prescriptive title). Our searches and the reports we provide are impartial and based on the evidence we are able to obtain from public records and as such can be relied upon by all parties. Any proviso whereby our fee is linked to the nature of the conclusions reached would create a conflict of interest and nullify this impartiality.
What are our invoicing terms? When a search is for a legal firm or company, we normally send an Invoice along with our report. Payment is due within 30 days of the date of the Invoice. Payment can be made by cheque or by Bank Transfer (please ask for our bank details). When a search is for a private individual for whom we have not previously acted, then we can provide an estimate. If this is acceptable, we then carry out the search and ask for payment by cheque or Bank Transfer before we send our report.
What about insurance? Landownership Scotland carries extensive Professional Indemnity Insurance for your peace of mind.
How do I send instructions? We are happy to receive instructions in whatever format you wish to send them: by mail, e-mail, or phone.
Any relevant information you can give us often helps reduce the work involved and costs accordingly - e.g. names/titles of suspected owners or known owners or adjacent ground.