Hounslow’s property search function broken since May
Aug 22, 2024
People trying to buy or sell property in the London Borough of Hounslow are facing long delays to their plans to move in or out of Chiswick. Transactions are on hold because the Council’s online Building Control Property Search function has not been working since May.
Property searches, also known as conveyancing searches, are legal requirements for anyone borrowing money to buy a property. Your solicitor conducts the search via the local authority, which in W4 is either London Borough of Hounslow or Ealing Council.
LATEST UPDATE ON LB HOUNSLOW WEBSITE
“We are currently unable to provide searches for dates after 3 May 2024 due to an issue with our system. We are working to resolve this and apologise for any inconvenience.
"Also, while we transition to a new IT system, we are experiencing delays in the processing of forms.
"We continue to work with our supplier on this and are testing a fix which should address the issue. We are working to clear the backlog while testing is underway. We apologise for any inconvenience.” Last updated: 20/08/2024.
Hounslow's website had an upgrade in April, but not all the information about what work people have had done on their houses has migrated to the new site.
This important stage in property transactions confirms if there are any upcoming planning developments or environmental issues that relate to the area and the property you’re looking to buy. The search also confirms that the seller is the legal registered owner.
Property searches are legally required if you are buying with a mortgage. Cash buyers don’t have to carry out property searches but it is highly recommended.
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