Homebuyers in Bracknell say they are “living out of boxes” as delays to land searches at Bracknell Forest council freeze mortgage applications and property transactions.
The council’s land charges service is currently unavailable while data is being migrated to a new computer system, leaving sales unable to complete and chains on hold.
Julie Cooper, 59, owner of Home Services in Bracknell, said the delays have left her family in limbo.
“It’s very frustrating. We’re living out of boxes at the moment and we don’t know how long it’s going to take.
“We have been waiting since the beginning of February. We should have been in our new house by now.”
Ms Cooper said her previous sale completed quickly, but the purchase of her new Bracknell home has been halted.
“All of a sudden, we got a phone call … to say that everything had come to a stop because the council was putting in a new computer system.
“This is affecting our purchase. We were told to expect a delay of between 60–75 days.”
She added: “Bracknell Forest council haven’t said a word. No word from them at all.”
Another resident said the issue had turned “a behind-the-scenes council system” into “a front-line problem for local families”.
They said: “Right now, Bracknell Forest council is unable to process local land searches properly due to a software issue. That means: sales can’t complete, chains are stalling, delays are stretching into months.
“Some buyers are even being pushed towards insurance instead of proper searches just to get things moving.”
Jo Male, the council’s assistant director for planning, said the issue arose after a system change at the end of January.
“Unfortunately, what was meant to be a simple switch over became problematic as the data could not be transferred as easily and accurately as anticipated,” she said.
“The issue is that the data is not being accurately reflected within the Land Register… the system risks returning inaccurate results.”
She acknowledged that “purchasing a property is stressful” and promised that the council is working with its supplier, “meeting twice daily” and escalating the issue “for urgent action”.
“Progress has been made but we are seeking urgent clarification from the company as to when we can start using the system accurately and start processing applications again.
“We are doing everything we can to get the situation resolved and will update buyers and solicitors as soon as we can resume our land charges service.”
