If you’re selling a home while buying your next one, chances are you’ll find yourself in a property chain. With buyers above you and sellers below, every link has to hold firm for the move to go ahead smoothly. Unfortunately, the longer the chain, the greater the risk of delays or even collapse.

The good news? With careful planning and the right guidance, there are practical steps you can take to keep things moving.

Keep Communication Flowing

One of the most effective ways to keep a chain intact is simple: stay in touch. Make sure you’re regularly speaking with your solicitor, estate agent, and mortgage broker. Quick responses and regular updates can prevent small issues from snowballing into major delays.

Choose Buyers (and Sellers) Carefully

Serious buyers will already have a buyer for their property, a mortgage agreed in principle, and a solicitor ready to act. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and rely on your estate agent to do the due diligence. A little extra vetting up front can save you headaches later on.

Consider Serving a Notice to Complete

If contracts have been exchanged but your buyer is dragging their feet, your solicitor may advise serving a notice to complete. This sets a firm deadline (usually ten days) for them to finalise the deal or risk losing their deposit.

Break the Chain

Sometimes the safest way forward is to reduce the chain altogether. Moving into temporary accommodation or renting short-term can give you the flexibility to proceed with your sale. In some cases, the added buying power you gain may even outweigh the short-term costs.

Negotiate on Price

If a chain is stalling over money, speak with your agent about whether a small compromise could unlock the situation. A modest reduction, shared fairly across the chain, can sometimes hold the deal together and prevent a collapse.

Explore a Bridging Loan (with Care)

If all else fails, a bridging loan might be an option. This allows you to borrow against your current property to move forward with your purchase. However, as this can be a costly solution, it’s usually best considered as a last resort.

At Fisher and Partners, we know how stressful a broken property chain can be. That’s why we’re here to guide you at every stage, helping you navigate the challenges and keep your move on track.

👉 If you’re looking to sell your property, we’d be delighted to give you a free market appraisal. Contact your local managing partner today and we’ll set up a time to chat. We’d be delighted to hear from you.