WHAT IS A PROPERTY CHAIN

A property chain can often be an intricate and puzzling time for both buyers and sellers to understand.

Are you currently in a property chain? We give you a clearer understanding of what that means.... 

What is a property chain?

A property chain is a line of buyers and sellers all linked because each other are buying or selling to one another and are reliant on other homeowners to sell their houses. This situation occurs when homeowners wish to buy a new home and are dependant on the sale of their current home to fund the onward purchase.

This might not always be the case -it may be the other way around and you have your own buyer ready to buy your current home, but the people you wish to buy a new house from may not have found a house yet or are waiting on their sellers to find a new house also.

There are a number of different things you can do to help you along the way and to get you into the best position possible and here are a list of suggestions that may be helpful.

• The best thing to do is secure your affordability with a financial advisor before starting your property search, so you know exactly where you stand and what is a realistic budget.
• Choose a reliable solicitor whom you have a good repor with that can give you up to date acurate information in black and white.
• If selling put your property onto the market at a realistic selling price to attract buyers and try and agree to someone who is ready to go, or ‘chain free’ where possible, this can shorten the length of the chain where possible.
• Consider selling your own property before finding another and consider short term rental properties or move in with a family member to put you in a better position. This of course does not suit every buyer and only do this if it is something you feel comfortable with.
• Be honest, if there are any issues with your property let the agent know, as a surveyor is likley to pick up on them and that way you can try and rectify the propblem or consider a slightly lower selling price if it is likley to harm the sale.
• If you are in a hurry and time is of the essence, try and agree a completion date early on. Sellers will sometimes accomodate an early completion to avoid the sale falling.

Be open and honest about your expectations from the start, that way the agent can successfully manage your expectations and everyone involved can try and work to similar time frames.  

Though you will never be fully in control of a lengthy chain, at least you can get yourself into a good position to at least make the journey a little less taxing, and have a good understanding of what to expect along the way.

For anybody currently finding themselves in a property chain,  remember that everybody is working towards the same end goal. Keep in contact with your agent and solicitor and most importantly stay positive and look forward to moving into your beautiful new home.

 If you would like a free property valuation get started by calling us on 02890653111.