IT upgrade blamed for 'dreadful' land search delays

Many property sales across two Oxfordshire districts are taking longer than normal because councils have upgraded IT systems.

One householder said searches that would normally take days have delayed her house move for three months and she is worried it could fall through.

South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District councils have apologised, and said the new system would be up and running from Monday.

They added "additional resources" were being put in place to clear the "backlog" of land searches.

Land searches are mandatory checks carried out by solicitors to uncover any risks, restrictions or hidden issues affecting properties.

Viv Matthews, who lives in Wootton, near Abingdon, said: "The bungalow we're buying has been ready and waiting for over three months now.

"It's been dreadful. Of course, it makes relationships uncomfortable," she added.

Another seller in Abingdon, who asked not to be named, said she had been given "no indication" by the council as to when the issue would be resolved.

"This is obviously having a real impact, adding to stress levels, disrupting planning around the move, and adding to the expense involved, leaving all of us feeling very stuck," she said.

Didcot estate agent James Gesner said the "knock-on effect" from the delays would be "massive".

"Removal companies work on turnover, solicitors and estate agents get paid on completion... without the search, we're a bit scuppered," he added.

In a statement on social media, both councils said they "fully recognise the frustration and uncertainty this has caused for residents, businesses and professionals who rely on this service".

It said the upgrade had been a "significant and complex" project, changing over systems which had been place for decades.

"Land Charges relies on several interconnected systems linked with other council services including planning, environmental information and mapping," it said.

"It has been essential to make sure these connections work properly so that searches provide accurate information."