Buying and selling property can be a complex and stressful process. One of the most challenging parts of buying or selling a property is the property chain. A property chain is where a group of home buyers and sellers are dependent on one another when purchasing a house – for example the owner(s) of the house you want to buy might need to find a house to buy themselves. It’s important to understand the challenges within a property chain, helping prepare yourself to reduce the risks.
Understanding the property chain
The property chain can cause a lot of issues for buyers and sellers, and it is essential to understand these issues in order to navigate the buying and selling process successfully. One of the most significant issues with a property chain is that it can cause delays. If one person encounters a problem, such as a surveyor finding an issue with a property, it can cause a domino effect that delays the entire chain.
Another issue with a property chain is that it can be fragile. If one person pulls out of the chain, it can cause the entire chain to collapse, which can be incredibly frustrating for everyone involved. This can be especially problematic if you are close to completing the purchase of your new home and have already made plans to move in.
What can I do to reduce the impact?
Fortunately, there are several things that you can do to reduce the impact if these issues arise. Firstly, it is important to work with an experienced mortgage adviser who can help you navigate the buying and selling process. Providing you with guidance on how to reduce the risk of delays and help you find properties less likely to be involved in a long chain.
Another thing that you can do is to be as prepared as possible. Having your mortgage in place, and all of your paperwork ready to go can help to speed up the buying process and reduce the risk of delays. Good communication between all parties is also a must and helps to reduce the risk of misunderstanding.
The property chain is a necessary part of the buying and selling process, but it can be complex and cause a lot of issues. By doing all you can to prepare as much as possible using the tips above can help make the buying and selling process as smooth as possible.
For more information, contact one of our adviser's who can support you and discuss the options available to you.