New Build Development not registered

Hi - we have just had a concerning update from our solicitors regarding the current status of our house purchase. They have raised with the lender that the developers are not registered as the owners with Land Registry and so we as the borrowers cannot be registered as the legal owners until they (Orbit Housing) are registered as the legal owner of the site first.

We understand this can take a long time. Orbit are pushing us to exchange and still advising that the house will be ready to move into in Dec 2025/ Jan 2026. The plot in question is plot 204, Orchard Mill, Ditton ME20 6YX. Are you able to confirm if the application is in fact underway? Thanks

Hi Lauren - the application to register Orbit's part of the new development was submitted on 25th September so is 'underway' in so far as it is protected. Current wait times are lengthy though and it probably won't be processed for 14+ months
This is a quite common scenario with new developments as the developer transfers a group of plots to the Housing Assoc and they then complete on sales of individual plots. The Developer, Housing Assoc and conveyancers involved are able to process such matters through to completion. The individual plot owners then wait to have their plot registered 
If you are uncertain then do speak to your conveyancer to clarify the process and how you are protected re your own completion. IN my experience it works but issues can arise if for example you then want to sell up or remortgage within the next 18 months or so as the registration remains incomplete albeit protected. A new buyer or lender maybe hesitant to complete until all the registrations are dealt with.
TT184164 - Orbit prov title