Dorset first-time buyers refused mortgages due to search backlog

The search is crucial for buyers as the majority of lenders will not agree a mortgage until the process has been carried out by the council.

But delays of up to 13 weeks mean prospective buyers risk being 'gazumped' by cash buyers - amid an influx of city dwellers selling high-value properties and heading to Dorset, as well as increased demand for holiday homes.

Estate agents say the delay is causing "unprecedented" issues for local buyers who are now at a major disadvantage - particularly those hoping to get on the property ladder for the first time. It is also affecting those further up the chain, as the impending stamp duty holiday deadline impacts finances.

Matt Gregg, manager of Dorset-based estate agent Wilson Tominey, described the situation as "an absolute nightmare."

Matt Gregg of Wilson Tominey

"It's causing huge problem across the board," he said. "So many things are affecting marketplace at the moment with the stamp duty deadline coming to an end - for all of those buyers who were potentially able to save up to £15,000, the delay with local searches means those deadlines just can't be met and therefore that's causing a lot of problems for a lot of buyers, which then has a knock on effect for those further up the chain.

"While local searches are a requirement for a majority of mortgage companies, people purchasing with cash have the option to forgo this - and therefore cash purchasers appear more attractive to the vendor of the property - which is obviously pushing out the first time buyers and many local buyers, because they don't appear as desirable."

Demand for homes in Weymouth has skyrocketed since the pandemic

Mr Gregg explained that the issue has been compounded by the pandemic giving rise to an influx of city-dwellers who are now able to work from home, while restrictions on overseas travel has increased demand for holiday homes.

"In Weymouth in particular we're seeing buyers with city jobs who have realised they can now work from home in a nicer environment by the sea.

"People selling their family home and moving down from London have substantially higher budgets and are outbidding the first time buyers, which is driving the prices up.

"It's very tough indeed for a first time buyer - there's so much against them which is not fair - there's not a lot in the favour of those trying to get onto the housing market."

Meanwhile Dorset property solicitor Stephen John Larcombe has described the situation as "unforgivable."

"This is an absolute scandal," he said. "Home buyers - especially young first-time buyers - face the prospect of an already stressful process being made hugely more stressful because of the failings of Dorset Council.

"I was told recently by an estate agent that for one property she had 10 offers, so it is clear to me that the market is overheating, and becoming more and more unstable for buyers.

"It is unforgivable for Dorset Council to increase the risks of parties being gazumped because of a fundamental inability to deliver a key piece of the home buying infrastructure. What happened to the efficiencies we were all promised following the creation of a unitary authority?"

Further insight into the problem has been offered by Martin Bowen-Ashwin of estate agent Stags.

He believes the delay has been caused by a new system introduced by Dorset Council to amalgamate the county’s former district and borough councils in December - at a time when the volume of searches was already high due to the Stamp Duty Holiday.

"This has put added pressure and strain on the system and for first time buyers in particular," he said.

"All related industries are now feeling the strain with transactions now taking much longer as a consequence."

Dorset Council has said the delay has been caused by the pandemic. But according to Mr Bowen-Ashwin, buyers in neighbouring counties have a significantly shorter wait, of around four weeks.

He added: "At Stags we try and manage the expectations of potential clients and buyers from the onset with the help and support of excellent local solicitors, where local knowledge can be vital in circumnavigating this issue."

In response, councillor David Walsh, Dorset Council portfolio holder for planning, said: “We are seeing a huge increase in workload and we are still working within covid restrictions. Most of our planning teams continue to work from home which has its own challenges. Everyone has been working incredibly hard in very trying circumstances, but we are using every opportunity to make our processes better.”

"Being prepared is key"

Matt Gregg of Wilson Tominey has the following advice for first-time buyers:

• Get into the best possible position prior to expressing an interest in a property.

• If possible obtain a mortgage 'in principle' before making an offer.

• Be honest and upfront with the agent about your ability to proceed.

• Ask the agent whether the vendor has any specific requirements including the owner's timescale - they may also be faced with a delay with searches and may not necessarily be looking for a quick sale.