Buying a house is stressful enough without worrying about other people’s issues down the line. As many home buyers will recall, saving for a deposit and finding the right property are far from the only stresses experienced when moving. The next stage of the purchasing process can frequently involve a ‘chain’, and that can make consumers anticipate unease and uncertainty. Customers can find themselves within a group of buyers and sellers that are linked together, but who may have varied expectations about completion times.
Costs and Risks of Property Chains
A survey done on behalf of lender Barclays earlier this year found consumers can face extra costs of £2,127 on average if they experience problems with, or a breakdown of, their housing chain. That comes from potential wasted spending on valuations and solicitors’ fees, for example. Meanwhile, research from estate agents Hamptons estimates 40 per cent of agreed home sales in Great Britain in 2025 that were part of a chain fell through. The firm adds that in March of this year, the number of fall-throughs was 4.7 per cent higher than in March 2025. While those failures to get deals over the line will not all be because of a chain, it is fair to assume a chunk may be impacted.
David Fell, lead analyst at Hamptons, says: “Every mover has their own desired time scales, but as soon as they form part of a chain, they are to some extent bound by everyone else’s,” while noting the average buyer in a chain takes 145 days to exchange contracts. While there is no silver bullet that can make chain issues go away, there are ways, at least from your side, of trying to make things speed up.
Expert Tips and Must-Do Checks
Henry Griffin, a sales director at a branch of estate agency group Winkworth, has revealed his five tips for speeding up the chain in the home buying process:
- Instruct a recommended solicitor who is efficient and you can speak to on the phone – this is vital.
- Book a survey and mortgage valuation within the first two to three days of having an offer agreed.
- Complete protocol forms immediately.
- Order searches immediately.
- Avoid chains over five properties long.
“We would also recommend setting up a ‘target date’ for exchange and completion – this provides a clear target for all and helps to keep the momentum up,” Griffin added.
Among those in agreement that speed is essential around mortgage valuations is Andrew Montlake. The chief executive of mortgage broker Coreco comments: “People often think getting the offer accepted is the big hurdle, but really that is just the starting gun. Buyers often underestimate how busy surveyors and valuers are, and a short delay by a few days at the start can create a knock-on effect through the whole chain, adding stress, uncertainty and unnecessary hold-ups later on.” He finds property transactions go through smoother when buyers have a good estate agent, broker and solicitor all working together.
What Must Buyers Be Aware Of?
Consumers will also be keen to make sure they can secure the best rates. As seen in recent weeks, the conflict in Iran has impacted UK mortgage rates. Fell says mortgage offers typically last for six months, “so during periods when mortgage rates are rising, there is increasing pressure to exchange contracts before anyone’s mortgage offer expires. Expiring offers which have to be renewed at higher rates can potentially open the door to renegotiations.”
Addressing property chain length, Jessica Hayward, founder of Boughtons Estate Agents, cautions: “The longer the chain, the greater the risk of a sale falling through, due to the increased number of parties and variables involved. It only takes one issue, such as an adverse survey result, a failed mortgage application, a change of mind, loss of employment, or a better opportunity arising, for the entire chain to collapse.”
Ian Parsons, senior associate director at estate agency Strutt & Parker’s Norwich branch, added: “In a more tricky market you’re more likely to find yourself in a longer chain than you would in a more buoyant market, as fewer cash buyers circulate and vendors can be less choosy. Buying a home is emotional, not just financial, and so it’s not as easy as just finding a home where there are fewer in the chain when you have your heart truly set on something.” He continues: “If you find yourself in a long chain, give yourself grace – you can only go as fast as the slowest solicitor in the chain – hence why making sure you’ve instructed a reputable one is so important. Communication is key, a good agent will be talking up and down the chain to ensure things are progressing, and giving you regular updates.”
