Land Data Awards NLIS Channel Licence to Wessex Searches

Land Data, the National Land Information Service (NLIS) regulator, has awarded an NLIS channel licence to Wessex Searches, which will take effect from Summer 2025. The new licence will mean faster turnarounds on conveyancing searches for home movers. 

By using the NLIS Hub, Wessex Searches aims to streamline and significantly reduce the time taken to process official searches, speeding up the process of house purchases for conveyancers and residents.

The NLIS network remains the largest aggregator of Official Searches, accounting for approximately 40% of the official searches market. It is also the only regulated searches portal in the UK, with total focus on maintaining the highest standards of data security, assurance and provenance. 

Fiona Barron, Land Data Chief Executive said:

“We are delighted to welcome Wessex Searches on board. Speed is of the essence when it comes to conveyancing searches and approximately 85% of NLIS searches are turned around by Local Authorities within the Government's target of 10 days or less, and around 40% are returned within 5 days or under. They will also benefit from the NLIS Helpdesk which is led by a team of highly experienced customer service experts, meaning complex and urgent requests are resolved swiftly. 

“All searches ordered through NLIS are classified as ‘Official Searches’ because they are sourced directly from and interpreted by the Local Authority and other official data providers, therefore all statutory indemnities remain preserved and transferred to end customers.” 

Samantha Barker, Searches Manager at Wessex Searches said:  

"Official conveyancing searches make up the majority of our search requests and we provide our customers with the highest quality, interpreted data, from source. We look forward to the efficiencies the NLIS Hub will bring us – ultimately quicker searches for our conveyancers, and faster house moves for residents, reinforcing our dedication to our personal, professional, and proactive service.”