Unable to sell new build house due to it not being registered with land registry after 4 years

Corbula

In December I got an email from the solicitors I used to buy my new build saying that the application to land registry still wasn't complete since February 2021. This was due to land registry asking for more information from both my solicitors and the developers solicitors, which my solicitors said they're chasing them. 

I asked them if it effects me selling the house and they've said I'm not allowed to exchanged contracts until it's complete.

We've now missed out on houses as we were registered with another new build developer but have been unable to do anything and stuck in the current house until this has been sorted out. We've been looking to move to a more suitable house due to changing family circumstances.

Could I be due any compensation due to all of this? And how should I respond to the solicitors?

Thanks. 

HampshireH

Have you chased it's registration over the last 4 years?

silvercar

Any advice @Land_Registry? 

@Corbula, it would be worth you DMing @Land_Registry the title deed number then they could look up the reason for the delay.

Corbula

HampshireH said:

Have you chased it's registration over the last 4 years?

I wasn't told about it so was unaware until a few months ago. 

jackieblack

I’ve been told (by 2 different solicitors) that if you have a confirmed buyer Land Registry can expedite the registration process if advised of the situation.

silvercar

jackieblack said:

I’ve been told (by 2 different solicitors) that if you have a confirmed buyer Land Registry can expedite the registration process if advised of the situation.

They can, expediting will get it registered within 2 weeks IF everything is in order. To paraphrase the comments @Land_Registry usually makes, expediting gets you to the starting line, all the paperwork needs to be in order for the property to be registered.

RAS

Corbula said:

In December I got an email from the solicitors I used to buy my new build saying that the application to land registry still wasn't complete since February 2021. This was due to land registry asking for more information from both my solicitors and the developers solicitors, which my solicitors said they're chasing them. 

That is the core of the problem. I'd be inclined to write and ask what exactly the problem is, on what dates your solicitor has written to the developer's and when they replied? If you don't get a response in 14 cays, make a complaint.

Corbula

silvercar said:

Any advice @Land_Registry? 

@Corbula, it would be worth you DMing @Land_Registry the title deed number then they could look up the reason for the delay.

Thanks, I didn't know this was a thing so I will do that. 

Corbula

RAS said:

Corbula said:

In December I got an email from the solicitors I used to buy my new build saying that the application to land registry still wasn't complete since February 2021. This was due to land registry asking for more information from both my solicitors and the developers solicitors, which my solicitors said they're chasing them. 

That is the core of the problem. I'd be inclined to write and ask what exactly the problem is, on what dates your solicitor has written to the developer's and when they replied? If you don't get a response in 14 cays, make a complaint.

Every time I've sent an email to my solicitor replying to their email it's over a month before I get anything back even with chasing. 

I've drafted an email saying about my worries and how it's effecting our family but haven't sent it just yet in case I thought of something else to put in it so this is good. 

housebuyer143

Corbula said:

RAS said:

Corbula said:

In December I got an email from the solicitors I used to buy my new build saying that the application to land registry still wasn't complete since February 2021. This was due to land registry asking for more information from both my solicitors and the developers solicitors, which my solicitors said they're chasing them. 

That is the core of the problem. I'd be inclined to write and ask what exactly the problem is, on what dates your solicitor has written to the developer's and when they replied? If you don't get a response in 14 cays, make a complaint.

Every time I've sent an email to my solicitor replying to their email it's over a month before I get anything back even with chasing. 

I've drafted an email saying about my worries and how it's effecting our family but haven't sent it just yet in case I thought of something else to put in it so this is good. 

Then go straight into a formal complaint. Look online for their complaints procedure. They should then have set guidelines to reply to you by.

Land_Registry

silvercar said:

Any advice @Land_Registry? 

@Corbula, it would be worth you DMing @Land_Registry the title deed number then they could look up the reason for the delay.

I have replied to the DM to explain in general terms what is currently happening
The current application was partially processed in Dec 2024 after being submitted in Oct 2023. It's not been expedited and nor can it be now as processing has started.
Expedition as mentioned gets the case to the processing start line but in this case the race started back in December but it's a very long hurdle race it seems as a number of things missing and still one to be provided
Unfortunately the paperwork submitted was incomplete and whilst the conveyancer has provided most of it one key item remains outstanding.
The conveyancer recently asked for more time to respond as they are reliant on the seller's conveyancer here
Whilst a rare occurrence re timescales it can and does happen - an original application will have been submitted after completion ion 2021 but I suspect it was also incomplete and at some stage will have been cancelled as the conveyancer failed to provide everything that is required. They then resubmitted in 2023 and the wait starts again.
For a variety of reasons new builds can be problematic if all the paperwork is not in order. A high number are submitted incomplete and then not resolved for some time as the conveyancers try to provide the missing items. 
Hopefully the OP's conveyancer can confirm what's still needed and when they can expect to provide it. As soon as they do and it's in order then the registration can be completed