A chain is where there are a number of different buyers and sellers all buying one property and selling their own. At one end of the chain, there will normally be a first-time buyer, who isn’t selling a property. At the other end of the chain there will be someone who is selling a property that is already empty. Maybe this is a new build, or it could be a property investor. The chain can be any length, but you can do many things to help make sure that things keep progressing…

1. Talk frequently

They say it is good to talk, and this is especially true when buying and selling property. If there is a hold up, speak to your estate agents and/or solicitor and see if there is any way you can speak directly to the party that is holding things up. This may allow you to alleviate any problems more directly and get things back on track. But remember you always need to be diplomatic and understanding. Making demands isn’t going to help getting things progressing. Get clear dates of expectations when things will happen and follow up on these.

2. Come to the table with clean hands

What we mean by this is that you don’t want to be the one that is holding things up. Sometimes there will be things that are out of your control. But it can be easy to let things slip when you are leading a busy life. So, make sure you are on top of everything that you need to do. Check your messages, read your emails, read the documents, and make sure that you have done everything you need to do. Maybe set aside a short period each day to review things and know that you are on top of matters.

3. Be prepared

Preparation is everything! Get your mortgage offer in place as soon as possible. This will help minimise delays. If you haven’t bought a property in a while, you may not be aware of how long this stage takes. Mortgage companies are meticulous in looking into their buyers now and will want to see everything. This may include getting statements from any outstanding finance you have in place, or even maybe clearing down those credit cards or other loans. So, get everything ready that you possibly can.

4. Communicate

Although it has already been said, talking is the best thing that you can do. Your estate agent and solicitor should both be happy talking to you as often as you need to. Modern companies often will work late hours and weekends so that they can talk with clients who are working full time. But you likely will also be able to get in touch via email, or text message, to stay fully up to date. They may even have an online portal which will give you details about how your move is progressing. So, stay in touch.