In the UK, property chains are part and parcel of most house sales. Unless you’re dealing with a cash buyer or a first-time buyer, there’s usually another sale that needs to happen before yours can go through. That’s where things can get tricky. Delays, fall-throughs, and added costs are all too common when chains get tangled. So, what can you do to steer clear of these issues and help your sale move forward without a hitch?
Why Property Chains Fall Apart (and What You Can Do About It)
If you’ve ever tried to buy or sell a house, you know how frustrating property chains can be. One person pulls out, and the whole thing unravels. So, what usually goes wrong?
- Mortgages fall through — Lenders are stricter now, and some buyers just don’t get approved.
- Surveys raise red flags — Big repair issues can scare buyers off if the seller won’t budge on price.
- Gazumping happens — A seller takes a higher offer after already accepting yours. It’s legal, but brutal.
- Someone gets cold feet — Maybe the buyer finds another house. Maybe the seller decides not to move after all.
- Life stuff gets in the way — Illness, breakups, job losses… sometimes things just change, and plans fall apart.
Ways to Avoid the Drama
- Go with a chain-free buyer if you’re selling—cash buyers or first-time buyers are usually safer bets.
- Sell first and rent for a bit. It’s not ideal, but it makes you more flexible.
- Focus your search on homes with no upward chain—vacant homes or probate properties are good options.
- Buying new? New-builds often come with part-exchange offers so you can avoid a chain altogether.
- Always agree on a moving date early to keep things on track.
- And if you’re buying, get your mortgage sorted before making offers—don’t assume approval is a sure thing.
If the Chain Breaks Anyway…
It happens. If your buyer’s still on board, maybe rent for a while and keep house-hunting. Can’t borrow as much as you thought? Make a lower offer—some sellers will say yes just to keep the sale moving.