Property enquiry certificates
A Property Enquiry Certificate (PEC) gives important planning and property information about a specific address. It tells you whether there are any proposals, legal orders or notices that may affect a property.
PECs are most often requested during the house‑buying process to help buyers make informed decisions.
What is a Property Enquiry Certificate?
A PEC confirms the official status of a property based on our records. It can highlight:
- planning proposals affecting the property or nearby land
- legal orders or restrictions
- notices held by the council
This information can help you avoid surprises later and is commonly requested once an offer has been accepted.
Who usually applies?
PECs are normally requested by solicitors acting for buyers or sellers. However, anyone can request one if they need formal confirmation about a property.
How to apply
To request a Property Enquiry Certificate, please phone us on 0303 123 1015.
When you call, have the full property address ready so we can take your enquiry quickly.
Costs
The cost depends on the type of enquiry you need:
- full Property Enquiry Certificate: £74.26 per address
- part Property Enquiry: £37.13
A part enquiry includes up to two responses from the following services:
- planning
- building standards
- roads and transportation
- grants
- environmental health
Copies of documents are not included.
How long it takes
We aim to provide Property Enquiry Certificates within 5 to 10 working days from the date we receive your enquiry.
What information you get
Each PEC is covered by an indemnity insurance policy. It has information on a property about:
Planning
- planning applications
- whether the property is listed
- whether it is in a conservation area
- if it is affected by an Article 4 Direction
- enforcement notices or other planning notices
Building warrants
- recent building warrant applications
- outstanding notices or orders under Building (Scotland) legislation
Roads
- whether the adjacent road is adopted
- transport proposals affecting the property
Housing
- statutory notices served under the Housing (Scotland) Act
- improvement grant payment information
Environmental protection and health and safety
- notices issued under environmental health legislation
- comments about food safety or health and safety (where relevant)
Contaminated land
- whether the land is on the contaminated land register (if requested)
Water and drainage
We hold information on properties affected by the Private Water Supplies Regulations.
For details about mains water connections or septic tanks, contact Scottish Water on 0800 0778 778.