What is the primary purpose of an Index Map search in a pre-contract check for a property with a right of way over a lane, and what information would it reveal?

• A. The Index Map search primarily confirms the property's title number and ownership details.
• B. The Index Map search reveals whether the lane title is registered and provides the title number, enabling copies of the burdened land title.
• C. It shows environmental constraints on the lane.
• D. It lists any planning permissions affecting the lane.

Answer: (B)

When a right of way over a lane is involved, you need to confirm how that lane sits legally. An Index Map search is used to locate the lane on the Land Registry map and to see whether the lane has its own registered title. If it does, the search will reveal the lane’s title number, which lets you obtain copies of the burdened land title. Those copies are where you find the actual easement granting the right of way, any restrictions, who benefits from it, maintenance obligations, and the precise scope (such as the width and location of the path). This information is essential for understanding exactly what rights exist and how they affect the property you’re buying.

It doesn’t confirm ownership details of the main property, nor does it directly reveal environmental constraints or planning permissions; those come from other searches—ownership from the Title Register, environmental searches for constraints, and planning records for permissions. The key value of the Index Map search here is confirming whether the lane is a separately registered title and obtaining its title number to review the burdened title and the rights of way attached to it.