Conniff is entirely correct, though even this advice may be worth clarifying. To reiterate information present in other threads... Conveyancing solicitors now arrange for outline searches to be made to confirm if a piece of land may be liable to CRL - it is important to the potential land or houseowner that the outline search is not replaced by a full search! Why is this? Because the insurance that Conniff eludes to (mine is costing £135 for unlimited liability over a term of 25years), is only available to cover the risk of liability, and any charges that may be levelled against the owner were it be so. Indeed, it is possible, though I don't think it's been proven one way or the other, that insurance may not be available for properties on which the liability has been established. It's a strange situation where ignorance is, if not exactly bliss, then it is at least a comfort. I

The above is extracted from the conclusion to The Consequences of Aston Cantlow, by Edward Nugee QC, in Issue 35 of the Ecclesiastical Law Journal. Its meaning is starkly clear: Parochial Church Councils have a duty to identify one (or more - though as they are severally liable, one is sufficient) lay rectors who are bound by law to pay for repairs to the local church, without limit of cost. In this context, a 'lay rector' is any person unlucky enough to have come into the ownership of a piece of land to which attaches the ancient liability for Chancel Repair. For me, the most chilling aspect of this judement is the mere expression of regret for the hurt, cost, uncertainty, liability, dispute and possible bankruptcy that may result for potentially unaware property and landowners in the UK, and the clear identification o such people as no more than a 'potentially valuable resource'... Elsewhere in these forums (not 'fora' please note. I speak English: not Latin), CAG users can read more complete details of this iniquitous liability... ...which may affect you, dear reader. I

Hmm. I don't like the unavoidable conclusion to which my 'logical' analysis draws me... Replace 'buyer/seller' in JonCris's statement above with 'the church' and a number of very disquieting conclusions result. E.g. The church's searches discover your liability, they register your land, it thereby become uninsurable, and (unless pommymike is correct) essentially valueless. Or The church does all the above but, instead of registering the liability, it sends you a letter explaining the circumstances and suggesting that your family's future financial security and indeed their eternal salvation could be assured for a small donation to the church roof fund... Nah. Silly of me, that sort of thing went out in the middle ages along with the inquistition, opposition to contraceptives, belief in papal infallibility; erm. I