Mortgage charge not removed - bank has no record

We are currently in the process of purchasing our first home. On the day we were due to exchange it suddenly came out of the woodwork that there was an equitable charge from NatWest which appears to be very historic. The property is a probate sale(probate has been granted) and the information from the executors has been minimal from the start so they have no information relating to this. The house was last sold in 1977 so it’s likely the charge could go back as far as this. The sellers solicitor has contacted NatWest who have said they cannot help as they have not been provided with an account number. There is no chance we could get this or anyone relating to the deceased will have it. We’re are a road block. We need to move in the next couple of weeks. What can we do to get this resolved asap? We have been told the mortgage was paid but with no proof or confirmation from NatWest we’re stuck! 

Ellen - the charge needs to be removed (discharged) by the creditor/lender as appropriate. I assume the seller has investigated what records exist at our end re the charge and whether an account number is referred to in the archives
Very much a matter for the executor to resolve with the creditor as appropriate as we can't remove it without the necessary signed authority (discharge) to do so for example 

Hi Adam, thank you for coming back to me. Unfortunately the executors that we are dealing with are 1 solicitor and 1 individual who is unwell and unable to help. They have no record of this mortgage reference at all, the house is completely empty so no chance of it being there. It is completely down to the sellers solicitor to resolve. 
could you explain about the archives/give me a link to this. Hopefully this is something I myself can apply to or can pass clear directions on as I’m not aware that this has been done by the solicitor yet. I know there is no mention of a number on the title as this has been checked, but if there is somewhere else it may be listed please let me know how this can be found?

what would we do it the lender will not help? The house cant be unsold forever?

Hi Ellen - use our contact form to submit the specific details re the property and title number. The paper records will need to be checked to ascertain what, if anything, is held on file re an account number. Not all charges include such specific details when lodged with us but without checking you do not know - Public guidance: dealing with land and property - GOV.UK 
As far as what happens next of the lender won't help is concerned well that all depends on the type of charge it is. For example if it's one where a court can pass judgement on it and dismiss it then that's possible but they are going to need proof of debt and repayment for example so may not be an option
There's still a way to go with this though and it may need escalating with the lender in some way by the executor to try and resolve matters. If they have simply approached them for help but not provided the account number to open the account door, so to speak then they may need to force the door open by escalating matters through the lender's complaints process and more. The need for an account number is a first point of contact and may not always be the last 
The house can be unsold forever unless a buyer is willing to complete with the charge remaining in place
You can help press here but this is something only the executor and lender can resolve for you it seems

Thank you for your help so far! It seems we have had some small movement in the last couple days. I received a notification that an application has been made by the original lender (NatWest) on the property (DT44314) but no one can seem to tell us what this application is for, whether it is to have the charge removed or not? And what the time frame is from here onwards? We have been told it’s ‘Priority Protected - awaiting processing’ but this is all we have? Are we able to get further information on what has been submitted and how long we can expect before it’s resolved?  Do we need to put in an expedited request separately to get this through quicker ?

Ellen - the application is to remove the Nat West charge from the title. If there's an urgency such as a linked/dependent transaction then a request to expedite it should be made. If it's not expedited then you should expect to wait several months before it is processed
DT44314

Thanks Adam, I assume there is not already a request to expedite then? Is this something I can do or do I need the solicitors/lender to do it? Thanks 

Ellen - no request as yet. I wouldn't expect NatWest to do so as they've now done their bit as far as they are concerned
You can make the request and submit the supporting evidence as appropriate re the confirmed purchase/urgency
DT44314 - S600WYT

Hi Adam. The sellers solicitor has made a request to expedite the application, how long before we can expect to hear back if it has been accepted? And I take it that it is 10 working days from thereafter to fully process the application?

many thanks

Hi Ellen - I have responded to your latest post in the absence of my colleague. 

I can tell you that the application was approved for expedite and was then completed earlier this morning. 

As the application was submitted by Natwest, the confirmation of application being completed has been issued to them.  However, your solicitor should be able to confirm by examining the title register that there is no charge on the title any longer. 

I hope this helps.