How to Keep Your Move Moving: Surviving the Property Chain
Buying and selling a house is notoriously stressful. It is even more intense when you are in a chain.
A property chain is essentially a line of people all waiting on each other. At one end, you usually have a first-time buyer with nothing to sell. At the other, you have an empty property or a new build. If one person stalls, everyone stalls. While you cannot control everyone else, you can take charge of your own position to keep the momentum going.
Get Talking
Communication is the best way to prevent a move from collapsing. If things seem to be slowing down, find out why. Speak to your estate agent or your solicitor and ask for specifics. Sometimes, a quick, polite conversation with the person holding things up can clear a misunderstanding and get things back on track. Stay diplomatic and focus on solutions rather than demands. Get clear dates for next steps and follow up on them immediately.
Don't Be the Bottleneck
You want to come to the table with "clean hands." This means making sure you are never the reason for a delay. Life gets busy, but letting a contract sit on your desk for three days can add a week of delays to the wider chain. Check your emails daily and read every document as soon as it arrives. If you set aside a few minutes every day to stay on top of the admin, you stay in control.
Be Prepared
Preparation is the enemy of delays. Get your mortgage offer finalized as soon as you possibly can. Banks are incredibly thorough these days and they will want to see everything. Have your statements ready for any outstanding finance and be prepared to show where your deposit is coming from. If you haven't moved in a few years, the level of detail required might surprise you. Being organized from day one is essential.
Stay in the Loop
Your estate agent and solicitor work for you. Make sure you are using their expertise. Many modern firms now offer online portals, text updates, and weekend hours to make life easier for you. Use these tools to stay updated. Whether it is a quick text or a weekly phone call, staying in regular contact ensures your move remains a priority for everyone involved.