How to break a property chain

Getting stuck in a property chain can feel like being gridlocked in a traffic jam – frustrating, unpredictable and completely out of your control. One hiccup in the chain, and suddenly your plans are delayed or even fall apart.

But what if you could take control and break free? Breaking a property chain can make the whole buying or selling process faster, smoother and way less stressful. Whether it’s selling to a chain free buyer or finding a way to go chain free yourself, there are smart, practical steps you can take to get things moving again.

In this guide, we’ll break down how to escape the chain, the benefits it brings, and the things you should watch out for along the way. Plus, if you’re looking for a quick and hassle-free way to make it happen, we’ll explain why The Property Buying Company could be just what you need to get moving on your own terms.

How do you break a property chain?

Breaking a property chain can feel like a game changer when you’re trying to sell or buy a home. It makes the process much faster and increases the chances of everything going smoothly — because let’s face it, house sales can fall through at any moment before contracts are exchanged.

Here are some practical and easy to understand ways to break the chain and take control of your move:

Find a chain free buyer

One of the simplest ways to break the chain is by choosing a buyer who doesn’t have a chain themselves. These buyers are much less likely to cause delays, and their offers often come with fewer complications:

• First time buyers: No house to sell — easy!

• Investors: They’re usually buying to rent or flip, so they can move quickly.

• Second home buyers: No rush to sell another property.

• The Property Buying Company: We make cash offers and can complete your sale in as little as 7 days.

If you’re lucky enough to have multiple offers, prioritising a chain free buyer, even if their offer is slightly lower — can save you time, stress and the risk of your sale falling through. 

In order to attract chain free buyers, you can sell at an auction, which will attract investors and developers who are ready to buy. Or, you can opt to sell to a house buying company, which is perfect for those who need speed and certainty. You’ll get a quick offer and a guaranteed sale date, but keep in mind that it’ll be at a discount.

Buy a house with no onward chain

On the buying side, try to find a house that’s not tied up in a chain. If the seller doesn’t need to buy another property before selling to you, your purchase becomes much simpler. Some examples of chain free properties include:

• Vacant homes, like inherited properties.

• Investment properties landlords are offloading.

• Second homes being sold off.

• Sellers who’ve already moved elsewhere.

By targeting chain free properties, you’ll avoid waiting on someone else’s timeline.

Make yourself chain free

This one’s all about taking matters into your own hands. If you’re selling and buying at the same time, you’re part of the chain – but you don’t have to be. Here’s how you can break the chain:

Move into short-term accommodation

Sell your home first, then move into a short term rental or stay with family while you search for your next place. This removes the pressure of syncing your sale with your purchase.

Or, buy before you sell

If you can afford it, buying your new home before selling your old one can be a game changer. You can then:

• Take out a second mortgage if your finances allow.

• Use a bridging loan, though these can be expensive.

• Buy with cash, if you’re lucky enough to have the funds.

But, you may face higher costs, like paying two mortgages and extra stamp duty, and managing two properties can be stressful.

Help someone else break the chain

If the delay is further up the chain, you could help the seller ahead of you go chain-free. For example, you can suggest they move into temporary accommodation to speed things up. Your estate agent can approach them on your behalf, and you could even sweeten the deal by offering to contribute to their moving costs.

It might sound a bit cheeky, but it’s in everyone’s interest to keep things moving – and sometimes a small gesture like this can make all the difference.

Use a chain-repair company

If all else fails, you can bring in a professional chain repair company, like The Property Buying Company. We are specialists in buying houses quickly, in order to keep the chain from collapsing. We are a fast and guaranteed solution that could save the day if someone in the chain pulls out.

The pros of breaking the housing chain

Breaking the housing chain can make moving house faster, less stressful, and much more likely to succeed. If you’ve ever been caught in the middle of a property chain, you’ll know how frustrating delays and uncertainty can be. Here’s why breaking the chain is worth it:

It saves you time

Let’s start with the obvious; breaking the chain can speed things up.

When there’s no chain involved, the average time to buy or sell a house drops to about 16 weeks, because:

• Half the time is spent finding a buyer or a property.

• The other half is spent on the legal and admin stuff.

And, that’s without taking into account a cash house buyer, being able to buy your house in as little as 7 days!

Chains, on the other hand, can add months to this process, especially if there are delays or complications further along the line. By breaking the chain, you can avoid the holdups and get moving sooner.

It makes your move more likely to happen

Did you know that in early 2023, more than half of house sales – around 55.8% — fell through before they could be completed? Things did get better as the year went on, with the failure rate dropping to just under 25% in the second quarter. Still, selling a house can feel like a gamble at times.

Now, throw a property chain into the mix. In a chain, every buyer and seller is tied together, relying on each other to complete their transactions. If one deal falls apart, it can cause a ripple derailing the entire chain.

Going chain free changes the game. By breaking the chain, you dramatically lower the risk of something going wrong. It makes your move smoother, more secure, and far less stressful – because who doesn’t want a little more certainty during a house move?

You’ll be more attractive to buyers & sellers

Being chain free is like being the VIP of the housing market — it gives you an edge, because:

It saves you money on failed sales

When a sale falls through, it’s not just annoying — it can be expensive. Think about all the money you’ve already spent on:

• Surveys.

• Searches.

• Solicitor fees.

• Mortgage applications.

If the sale falls apart, you don’t get any of that back. A failed house survey now sets buyers and sellers back an average of £3,394, up slightly from earlier in the year. Across the country, this added up to an eye watering £237.4 million in lost expenses just in the second quarter of 2023. 

It reduces stress

Let’s face it; moving house is stressful enough without having to worry about a chain. Chains add uncertainty, delays, and extra moving parts you can’t control. By breaking the chain, you simplify the process and give yourself some breathing room. You’ll know your move is less likely to fall apart, and that peace of mind is priceless.

The cons of breaking the property chain?

Breaking the property chain can simplify the buying and selling process in many ways, but it’s not without its disadvantages. Think carefully about whether the costs and hassle of temporary accommodation and double moves are worth it for your situation.

Sometimes, the security of breaking the chain is worth it – but only if you can decide if it’s the right move for you. Here are some of the downsides to think about before making the leap:

Temporary accommodation isn’t ideal

If you can’t buy the home you’ve been eyeing straight away, you’ll need somewhere to stay in the meantime. This could mean renting or crashing with family, and let’s be honest — neither option is perfect.

• Renting can feel unsettling, like you’re stuck in limbo, without the security of your own space.

• Staying with relatives might save money, but it comes with its own challenges. You know the saying “Guests, like fish, start to smell after three days.”

Being between homes isn’t always the smooth transition it sounds like, especially if the search for your new place drags on longer than expected.

Renting can be pricey

Renting while you search for your next home isn’t cheap, and it can eat into your budget quickly. Even though rent is often more expensive than a mortgage, you’re still paying it without building equity in a property. 

Plus, there’s the risk of house prices rising while you’re renting. If the market heats up, you could end up spending more on your next home than you saved by breaking the bank.

Moving twice is a hassle

Breaking the chain means you’ll likely have to move twice:

• Once into temporary accommodation.

• Then again into your new home.

And we all know moving isn’t fun. Aside from the physical and emotional toll, there are added costs to consider:

• Removal fees double up when you move twice.

• Storage costs can pile up if your temporary place doesn’t have enough space for all your stuff.

It’s a lot of effort, and the thought of unpacking twice in a short space of time is enough to make anyone groan.

Is breaking a property chain a good idea?

Breaking a property chain might sound drastic, but it can be a really good idea if your move is stuck or delayed. Going chain free, whether by selling to a cash buyer, renting temporarily, or using a bridging loan, can help you speed things up. 

When you break the chain, you’re no longer waiting for other buyers or sellers to sort out their side of the deal. That can mean fewer delays and a smoother, quicker process. In a competitive market, this speed could help you secure the property you’ve been dreaming of.

Chains are fragile – if one part falls through, everything can collapse. Breaking free from the chain gives you more control and reduces the stress that comes with relying on others.

Breaking the chain could be a smart move if:

• You value speed and flexibility.

• The market is competitive, and being chain free gives you the upper hand.

• You have a reliable option, like selling to a cash buyer, to simplify the process.

Selling to a cash buyer is often the easiest and quickest way to break a chain. Cash buyers don’t need mortgages, so there’s no risk of delays or sales falling through because of financing. They also move quickly, often completing in just a few weeks, which clears the way for your next move.

Why choose The Property Buying Company?

If you’re ready to break free from the stress of a property chain, The Property Buying Company is here to help. As experienced cash buyers, we specialise in fast, hassle free sales. No mortgages, no waiting, no uncertainty – we can complete your sale in as little as 7 days.

Breaking a chain has never been easier or more straightforward. Get in touch with The Property Buying Company today for a free, no obligation cash offer and start your journey towards a stress-free move.