How to maintain momentum that can delay or disrupt the whole process
Selling a home isn’t always an isolated event. Usually, it is part of a longer chain, a series of buyers and sellers all relying on each other for the process to complete. While chains are common in the UK housing market, they can also be a major source of stress.
A single broken link can delay or disrupt the whole process. Whether it’s a late mortgage offer, a survey problem, or someone unexpectedly withdrawing, chains need ongoing communication and coordination. For sellers, managing this can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s their first time moving.
But there’s good news: while you can’t control everything in a property chain, you can take steps to minimise risks, reduce delays, and keep things moving. In this article, we explain how chains work, what to expect at each stage, and how to stay proactive throughout your sale.
What is a property chain?
A property chain occurs when multiple property transactions are linked, with each person’s move depending on the successful completion of another.
For example:
- You’re selling your home to a first-time buyer
- You’re buying your next home from someone who is also selling
- That seller is buying another property, and so on
Chains can be as short as two or three parties, or can extend to six or more. The longer the chain, the greater the potential for something to be delayed or to fall through.
Chains are particularly common in owner-occupied properties, where the seller requires the funds from their sale to proceed with their next purchase.
Why chains cause delays and how to prevent them
As every sale in a chain is interconnected, progress is frequently determined by the slowest party.
Delays can come from a variety of sources:
- One buyer’s mortgage is taking longer than expected
- A survey reveals issues, prompting renegotiation or further investigations
- A seller hasn’t yet found a suitable onward purchase
- Legal documents or leasehold packs are missing or slow to arrive
- Personal circumstances change, such as illness, job loss or withdrawal of funds
Some delays are unavoidable, but many can be minimised through clear communication, realistic expectations, and early preparation. Being responsive, organised, and proactive helps keep your part of the chain on track and can encourage others to do the same.
Choose a proactive estate agent and solicitor
Your agent and conveyancer are key in handling the chain, not just your sale. They liaise with other agents, chase paperwork, and inform you of issues early.
Choose professionals who are experienced in handling chains, and ask:
- Will I have a dedicated point of contact throughout the entire process?
- How often will you update me on progress in the chain?
- Do you have good relationships with local agents and solicitors?
A good agent won’t just market your home; they’ll oversee the entire process and step in if any part starts to falter. Similarly, a skilled solicitor will ensure your paperwork moves along smoothly and will liaise with other conveyancers to coordinate the exchange dates.
Be chain-aware when accepting or making offers
Not all buyers are in the same situation, and understanding a buyer’s position in the chain helps you assess the strength of their offer.
For example:
- A first-time buyer or cash buyer is not reliant on another sale, making them chain-free
- A buyer who has already sold their home and is renting temporarily is chain-ready
- A buyer with a property to sell may be at risk of delays, unless their sale is already progressing
When you receive an offer, ask your estate agent for details about the buyer’s situation. Is their property sold subject to contract (SSTC)? Have they secured a Mortgage in Principle? Are they working to a specific timetable?
Similarly, when creating your own offer, be clear about your position and inform others if anything changes. Transparency builds trust and avoids unpleasant surprises in the future.
Stay responsive and organised with your documents
One of the simplest ways to ensure a chain moves smoothly is to have your paperwork prepared.
This includes:
- Providing ID and anti-money laundering documentation promptly
- Completing property forms (TA6, TA10, leasehold packs) as early as possible
- Supplying copies of warranties, building control sign-offs and EPCs
- Responding quickly to solicitor queries and requests for signatures
By being the most prepared party in the chain, you help establish the pace and lessen the likelihood of your sale causing delays.
Manage expectations around exchange and completion
In an ideal world, everyone in the chain would exchange contracts on the same day and complete shortly afterwards. However, in reality, timing is often the most challenging aspect.
Coordinating different solicitors, lenders, and removal firms takes time, especially when school terms, work relocations, or tenancy deadlines are involved.
Consult your solicitor and agent early on about realistic dates. Some chains agree to a simultaneous exchange and completion, while others prefer a gap of one to two weeks to allow everyone some breathing space.
Be ready to make minor compromises if it helps the chain to advance, and confirm key dates in writing once agreed.
What to do if the chain is delayed
If any link in the chain is lagging, your agent or solicitor should be able to clarify the cause and whether it’s likely to be resolved.
Common slowdowns include:
- Delayed mortgage valuations or offers
- A buyer awaiting deposit funds
- Missing documentation (especially in leasehold sales)
- Survey issues that require renegotiation
In some cases, offering flexibility, such as an extended completion window, can help keep the deal alive. In others, a strict timeline may be necessary to encourage progress.
If the delay is substantial, you might need to explore alternatives. This could mean breaking the chain by relocating to temporary accommodation or finding a new buyer or onward purchase. These choices are tough but may be essential to keep momentum.
Can you break the chain?
Yes, and sometimes, it can be an appropriate move to do so. Breaking the chain involves separating your sale from your purchase, usually by staying in short-term accommodation or with friends or family between transactions.
This gives you time to find your next property without the pressure of an immediate purchase, making you a more attractive buyer when you’re ready. However, it involves costs and logistics.
You’ll need to:
- Arrange storage for furniture and belongings
- Budget for a second move
- Consider short-term rental contracts or bridging finance
If your buyer is eager to proceed and your onward move is uncertain, breaking the chain can be a practical way to prevent collapse.
Stay calm, stay communicative
Chains are part of the process, but they don’t have to be a nightmare. With the right team, careful preparation, and clear communication, most chains are completed smoothly.
The key is to stay responsive, realistic, and ready to adapt. Should issues arise, your agent and solicitor should be there to guide you, rather than leaving you in uncertainty.
In today’s market, buyers and sellers value cooperation and transparency. Stay proactive and well-informed, and you’ll stay in control.
Looking for expert mortgage advice?
As your trusted mortgage broker, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re buying your first home, remortgaging, or exploring your options, we’ll help you find the right solution tailored to your needs. Contact Burlington Financial, telephone 01262 674988, or email enquiries@burlington-financial.uk, to get started!
