House purchases: IBM to help build 'matrix' system providing information on the chain

The Land Registry has agreed a multi-million pound contract with IT provider IBM this month for the supply of a 'matrix' system that will keep solicitors informed during the e-conveyancing process.



The system will provide up-to-date information on the chain of purchase, with solicitors and other conveyancers able to log on and immediately see the status of each transaction in the chain.


A notes facility will enable lawyers to leave messages on the system, and thereby reduce time spent answering chasing calls. A typical note could read: 'Still waiting for mortgage to be approved - do not call until Friday.'


The system will initially only be accessible to those performing the conveyancing work, but may be opened to the purchasers and sellers themselves in the longer term - further reducing time spent by solicitors in answering queries on progress.


The contract signed with IBM is for £7 million to £21 million, depending on how much of the system is built in-house by the Land Registry. UK/US firm DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary advised the Land Registry on the deal.


A Land Registry spokeswoman said: 'We have consulted with solicitors at every step of the e-conveyancing process and we have had a very positive reaction both to the matrix system and e-conveyancing generally.


'Solicitors will be able to look up how different people in the chain are coming along, which will be very useful. The security settings and e-signatures in place, though, mean it is not yet clear whether members of the public will also be able to access the system.


'IBM was awarded the contract after a tendering process. We have a big in-house IT team at the Land Registry, but because no one has ever built a system like this before, IBM's expertise will be needed for some parts of the system.'


She added: 'The award of this contract is really bringing the e-conveyancing process forward, and pilots of the system will be introduced in 2007.'