Unfortunately, there are occasions where property chains collapse. When this happens, it can add to your stress and leave you feeling worried about your onward plans. However, there are things you can do.

Why do housing chains collapse?

Even if there are just one buyer and seller in a transaction the transaction can still fall through. However, the longer the property chain, the more people involved, meaning that the risk of the chain collapsing is increased. There are number of reasons why a chain may collapse, such as:

• The buyer or seller’s financial circumstances have changed.
• Life events (such as a bereavement or divorce).
• Deadlines for paperwork have been missed.
• Building surveys have highlighted issues.
• A buyer or seller may change their mind.
• A buyer reducing their offer (known as gazundering).
• A buyer who is outside of the chain coming in and making a higher offer (known as gazumping).

How can I prevent my property chain from collapsing?

If your property chain collapses, there is a possibility that you can salvage it in order to continue with your sale or purchase. That being said, there are some precautions you can take to minimise the risk of a chain collapsing, for instance:

• Sell to those who aren’t in a chain: When selling your property, if you have received multiple offers, it may be beneficial to sell to those who have no chain, or to a buyer in a shorter chain. This will reduce the probability of (but not guarantee against) the chain collapsing.
• Instruct a solicitor as soon as possible: The faster the conveyancing process, the less likely the chain is to break. It is therefore advised that you begin your conveyancing process as early as possible, ensuring all documentation is completed without delay.
• Consider selling your property and moving into rented: If you are selling your property and purchasing another, it increases the likelihood of the property chain collapsing. However, if you decide to rent rather than purchasing straightaway, it can take the pressure off. This does have the downside of increasing the costs as there would be the rent and two moving costs.

What should I do if the chain collapses?

Houses can be unique. Customers’ worlds can be blown apart if they lose the home of their dreams.

No matter how prepared you are, sometimes a chain collapsing is unavoidable. We appreciate it is a very stressful time and would advise you not to panic, here are some things you should consider doing if your property chain collapses:

• Maintain communication: If your chain collapses you should contact your estate agent, conveyancing solicitor, mortgage advisor and anyone else involved in the chain so that another suitable buyer can be found quickly.
• Discuss a new deal with those in the chain: If your chain has broken due to an adverse survey or a down valuation, it may be worth negotiating a new deal with those involved, or sharing the cost throughout the chain. For example, if someone pulled out due to financial concerns, you may consider proposing a lower sale price.
• Consider using a ‘quick sale’ company: If you have explored every avenue and are still struggling to find another buyer, you may wish to consider contacting a ‘quick sale’ company to purchase your home at a discounted rate. However, it is important to do your research if this is an avenue you wish to explore, as generally the price offered can be considerably less than the full value of your home and should only be considered as a last resort.

How we can help

The prospect of your property chain collapsing can feel overwhelming, it is important to ensure you seek advice from a specialist conveyancing solicitor. At Elliot Mather we have a friendly, dedicated and specialist property team that can assist you wherever you are based.

Our team appreciate that the process of purchasing a property can be difficult, we will take the time to understand your needs and provide you with expert legal advice.

Location 

Our Solicitors are able to provide expert advice across the country with a network of offices based in: Chesterfield, Nottingham, Mansfield and Derby.

How to get in contact 

Our team are on hand to help you and can assist wherever you are based. Please call us for a no-obligation, initial discussion on 0330 333 2613 or email enquiries@elliotmather.co.uk and we will call or email you back.

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