Delays will be inevitable in conveyancing after new forms were introduced yesterday.

CON 29 is part of a full local authority Search, and is the form of standard inquiries – the questions considered relevant in every case.

CON 290 is the form for optional inquiries.

One search group, PSG, said it had been in touch with all 326 local authorities in England and Wales to find out the state of readiness of each.

PSG said the responses were far from clear and said that “many” Land Charges offices are closed this week in order to implement the changes.

It warned that there will inevitably be some delays in both Council and regulated searches.

Most questions on the CON29 have been amended and updated in line with legislation, but the new form also includes some additional inquiries, while the previously optional inquiry on Public Paths and Byways is now included as a standard inquiry.

It is possible to take out insurance if a search is delayed and the parties involved want to get a move on.

Last night, Rob Hailstone of conveyancing organisation Bold Group told EYE: “The situation is far from ideal as some local authorities have stopped receiving searches in order to get their systems in place, whereas others seamlessly made the necessary changes in advance of the 4th July.

“Delays are expected but these can’t yet be quantified. Bold Legal Group members will be monitoring closely through ongoing and continuous communication with the local authorities.

“Search delay or no search insurance is always possible but whether those options will be taken will depend on the views of the conveyancer, the lender and the client.”