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How it works if you’re selling a property in a chain

03.11.25
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When you sell your home, you'll likely find yourself in a property chain. Understanding how property chains work – and how they can affect your sale – is essential for an efficient move.

What is a property chain?

A property chain happens when several house sales rely on the sale of one another in order to complete the purchase. For example, you might be selling your home to someone who needs to sell their property before they can complete, and that person might be selling to someone else who also needs to sell. 

Many find themselves in a property chain, making it an extremely common situation in the housing market.

How being in a chain affects your selling process

Selling a home takes 4 to 5 months on average, but chain sales often take longer as your sale can only progress as fast as the slowest link in the chain.

Every property must go through the same steps: securing mortgages in principle, having offers accepted, completing conveyancing searches, finalising mortgage offers, exchanging contracts, and reaching completion day. A delay at any point creates a ripple effect throughout the entire chain for everyone involved.

Common risks and delays in property chains

The government reports that around 1 in 3 property transactions fail, with property chains being a major contributing factor.

Chains can collapse for various reasons: a buyer's mortgage application fails, survey issues emerge, someone changes their mind, or legal delays occur. The longer your chain, the greater these risks become. Chain breaks create a vicious cycle. When one sale falls through, finding a replacement buyer can take weeks or months, often leading to the collapse of the entire chain.

How to keep your property-sale moving in a chain

While you can't control everything in a property chain, you can take steps to reduce delays, such as:

  • Consider chain-free buyers if you need to move quickly, though you may need to compromise on price.
  • Be realistic about your timeline to sell and allow extra time for delays.
  • Get your finances sorted early – whether that's mortgage approval or proof of funds.
  • Choose an experienced solicitor who responds quickly, not just the cheapest option.
  • Most importantly, keep talking openly with everyone in your chain – honesty helps prevent mix-ups that could stop your sale.

Tips for managing a chain-sale successfully

Your estate agent and solicitor can make or break your chain experience. Look for agents with strong local knowledge and local solicitors known for efficient communication.

Have a backup plan in case your chain breaks - could you stay with family temporarily? Being mentally prepared for complications reduces stress and helps you make better decisions.

Understanding property chains puts you in a stronger position when selling your home. 

If you'd like expert guidance on navigating your property sale, our team can help you develop a strategy that works for your circumstances. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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Don’t hesitate to contact Hearnes for more information on how we will accurately value your property. Our team are on hand to fully explain our property valuation service so you know exactly what to expect.

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Do you have a question about how we’ll market and sell your property? Read on for answers to all your queries about our comprehensive service for sellers today. We guarantee 100% clarity from the outset.

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Latest info

We write regular posts to share information on the world of property. Many of our posts provide real-time insights into local property trends. Take a look to find out more.

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Our reviews

Our reviews

Here at Hearnes, we have many happy clients. Read some of our reviews to see how we have helped buyers and sellers just like you.

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View our branches

View our branches

We have five branches, each dedicated to helping buyers and sellers in their local area. Find information, including contact details, for each of our branches here.

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Meet our team

Meet our team

Each of our branches has a dedicated and professional team ready to help buyers and sellers in their local area. Find out more about each of our team members here.

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Where service counts

Where service counts

Here at Hearnes, we are a people business operating within the property sector. We are all about service and going the extra mile to ensure our clients get the home they want as smoothly as possible.

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Contact us

Contact us

We're always happy to help. Whether you are looking to sell your home, buy a new one, or just want to chat with someone about how we can help with a stage in the process, get in touch, and we'll see what we can do!

Aerial photo of Wimborne Minister

Search for your next property

Search for your next property

Please view our current listings. Alternatively, get in touch if you don’t see any listings that match your criteria. We provide expert guidance to support your property search.

Photo of a river

What's your property worth?

What's your property worth?

Don’t hesitate to contact Hearnes for more information on how we will accurately value your property. Our team are on hand to fully explain our property valuation service so you know exactly what to expect.

Aerial photo of Badbury Rings

Marketing your property

Marketing your property

Do you have a question about how we’ll market and sell your property? Read on for answers to all your queries about our comprehensive service for sellers today. We guarantee 100% clarity from the outset.

Photo of a bench overlooking a river

Latest info

Latest info

We write regular posts to share information on the world of property. Many of our posts provide real-time insights into local property trends. Take a look to find out more.

Photo of Poole beach huts

Our reviews

Our reviews

Here at Hearnes, we have many happy clients. Read some of our reviews to see how we have helped buyers and sellers just like you.

Photo of a woodland walk

View our branches

View our branches

We have five branches, each dedicated to helping buyers and sellers in their local area. Find information, including contact details, for each of our branches here.

Photo of a country walk

Meet our team

Meet our team

Each of our branches has a dedicated and professional team ready to help buyers and sellers in their local area. Find out more about each of our team members here.

Aerial photo of Blue Lagoon, Lilliput, Poole

Where service counts

Where service counts

Here at Hearnes, we are a people business operating within the property sector. We are all about service and going the extra mile to ensure our clients get the home they want as smoothly as possible.

Photo showing an anchor in front of a building

Contact us

Contact us

We're always happy to help. Whether you are looking to sell your home, buy a new one, or just want to chat with someone about how we can help with a stage in the process, get in touch, and we'll see what we can do!