Buying or selling a home is stressful at the best of times, but being part of a property chain can amplify that stress.
The good news? There’s plenty you can do to help keep things moving.
Communicate early and often
It’s a cliché because it’s true: communication is everything.
If you sense a delay, speak to your estate agent and solicitor right away. Ask for clarity on what’s causing the slowdown and whether you're able to speak directly to the party involved (sometimes a quick conversation clears up misunderstandings).
Be polite, be patient, and be persistent. Pushiness rarely gets results, but clear expectations and regular check-ins nearly always do. Set dates, confirm next steps, and follow up.
Make sure you aren’t the bottleneck
Even the most organised buyer or seller can fall behind when juggling everyday life. But in a chain, delays ripple upward and downward.
Make a habit of checking emails, voicemails, and your solicitor’s portal daily. Complete forms as soon as they arrive. Return ID checks, pay requested fees, and provide documentation promptly.
If you handle your tasks quickly, you keep the spotlight away from you and avoid being labelled “the hold up.”
Get mortgage-ready as soon as possible
Preparation can be the difference between a smooth process and a long, exhausting one.
Mortgage lenders now require detailed financial evidence, and gathering it can take longer than you think. To avoid unnecessary delays:
Get your Agreement in Principle early
Prepare bank statements, payslips, and ID documents
Check whether you need to settle or provide details for other credit commitments
Respond to your mortgage broker promptly
The sooner your full mortgage offer is issued, the sooner your solicitor can push toward exchange.
Keep lines of communication open
Yes, communication appears twice because it’s that important.
Modern estate agents and solicitors usually offer extended hours, email updates, and sometimes online tracking portals. Use them. Don’t be afraid to ask for regular progress reports or call to clarify anything that feels unclear.
The more you know, the more calmly and confidently you can navigate the process.
Final thought
Chains can feel overwhelming, but staying responsive, organised, and proactive goes a long way. You can’t control every link in the chain, but you can control your own. By doing so, you give your move the best possible chance of staying on track.
