This is true. London visa office sucks. When I was applying for my own PR it took 7 months when at that time it took 4 months for all other applicants of the same month.
People from January are getting PPR while our files haven't even been transferred yet. Expect full 12 months at minimum. Also, London request additional pictures and info from 95% of applicants, this is also their way of delaying stuff a bit (lazy agents) because technically if 12 months haven't passed they'll always say you are within normal timeline.
Not to scare you guys or anything, but you should not get your hopes high looking at other applicants.
If you see Pakistani applicants thread @ London visa office, it takes 13-15 months of average.
So just keep praying. That's all we can do.