Land Registry/Legal Nightmare

caffeinated

Hi,
I have a huge problem. I bought a house outright in May 2009, a mortgage wasn't necessary as it was a repossessed property with a huge discount (a BTL speculator's business collapsed). I was assured at the time of completion that the paperwork would take a few weeks to come through, but I've heard nothing more.

It's now January 2010 and not only haven't I received the deed, but Land Registry haven't updated their records for the property.

To make matters worse, the property was seriously damaged by fire before I could move in. It's insured, and I have made a claim on it. But I'm now concerned that I could be putting money into a property that's not legally mine. I just want the names transferred over so I can rest easy knowing that the property's in my name.

Does anyone know who I could speak to about this? Do I continue to pressure my solicitor or the debt collection firm who sold the property? I've reached the stage where I'm beyond desperate.

Pitlanepiglet

Your solicitor is your first port of call. What do they say?

caffeinated

Quote: Pitlanepiglet

"Your solicitor is your first port of call. What do they say?"

They told me to wait (this was in August). Then they gave me a code to use with Land Registry. But LR keep telling me the names haven't been changed.

Pitlanepiglet

Have you not called them since August??? Give them a ring, ask them what is happening, you paid them to act for you.

There should be no reason for this delay unless there is some kind of problem.

Ring them on Monday and ask them what is going on.

caffeinated

Pitlanepiglet wrote: »

Have you not called them since August??? Give them a ring, ask them what is happening, you paid them to act for you.

There should be no reason for this delay unless there is some kind of problem.

Ring them on Monday and ask them what is going on.

I've been calling them every week since July! Every time I'm told the documents will be with me by the end of the week as there's no reason for the delay.

I need to know who to talk to so I can escalate this above the level of my solicitor as, imho, at best they're disorganised, and at worst behaving fraudulently. The cash end of the transaction went through ok as the debt collection company authorised the property's removal from the market etc. I THINK - i.e. I can't prove it - that my solicitor has failed to process the paperwork properly. Which means, effectively, I've paid someone else's debts with my money.

clutton_2

phone the land registry direct and find out what has happened up to date... they are very helpful to members of the public.. then you can ask your solicitor pertinent questions.....

do you have the title number that will help them..

Pitlanepiglet

When you received your initial letter from your solicitor it will have detailed who to contact in the event of a complaint. Contact them and complain about the person acting for you.

If you get no useful response from that person contact http://www.legalcomplaints.org.uk/home.page

I wouldn't worry unduly about "paying someone else's debts", your solicitor has probably just been slow sorting out registration, you've still bought it but the registration hasn't been sorted. I imagine there is some irregularity with the paperwork that the LR need resolved and your solicitor is sitting on because they don't know what to do. Escalate it within the firm.

You can also talk to the LR, they are usually very helpful.

DVardysShadow

Don't call the solicitor. Write and ask for a full explanation. This has gone on for long enough that you deserve a written explanation.

caffeinated

Thanks everyone, I finally got it sorted out.

Solicitors sent my registration details to the wrong address then compounded the error by giving me the wrong title code. The conveyancing was actually completed a month after I bought the house.