What to Expect When Moving as Part of a Chain
It’s widely agreed that moving homes is one of life’s most stressful milestones, and this is only exacerbated when moving as part of a chain. Unexpected delays and scheduling issues can cause setbacks that make even the most seasoned movers feel overwhelmed and stressed, let alone any first-time buyers.
Luckily, the team here at Simon Long Removals is here to help with our guide to what you should expect when moving as part of a chain.
What is a property chain?
To put it simply, a property chain occurs when multiple people attempt to buy or sell a property. Each buyer and seller represents a link in the chain and each transaction will be dependent on the sale or purchase of another property in the chain. Unexpected delays and issues can cause a chain reaction that impacts the properties further down the line, and sometimes, the whole chain can collapse if one person decides not to proceed.
A typical property chain will look like:
- First-time buyer: At the start of the property chain is normally a first-time buyer. This person isn’t reliant on selling their home in order to buy.
- Homeowner: At the middle of the property chain are homeowners who are both trying to sell their old home and purchase a new one. The more homeowners that are involved in the chain, the longer and more unpredictable it becomes.
- End of the chain: At the end of the property chain is a person who does not need to purchase a new home to move in to. Often, this is retirees who are perhaps moving in with family, or someone who is selling a second home.
Our top tips for moving as part of a chain
- Communication is key: You should always maintain frequent communication with all other parties in the chain, including estate agents, solicitors and the buyer/seller. Stay up-to-date on all developments, as if all parties are not at a similar stage of progression then the chain is at risk of collapsing
- Organisation and order: Stay one step ahead and ensure you keep all important documents and paperwork well organised and ready to go, so you’re not frantically scrabbling around in your filing cabinet later on.
- Be flexible: With so many moving parts, one delay can have a domino effect on the rest of the property chain. Be prepared for any changes or hold-ups and have contingency plans in place to accommodate any disruption.
- Hire a reliable solicitor: Often, delays in the property chain can be caused by solicitors taking their time and not being proactive. By hiring an efficient solicitor who is experienced in navigating chain transactions, you can reduce the risk of any hold-ups.
- Keep calm: Moving house is often a stressful experience, so try to remain patient and understanding if things don’t go as exactly as planned. All you can control is your own part in the chain, so take some deep breaths and focus on what you can do to help the process go smoothly.
How can I make moving as part of a chain less stressful?
One simple way that you can make moving as hassle-free as possible is by choosing a reliable moving company, like Simon Long Removals. When you hire a well-established removals expert, they will have plenty of experience dealing with chains and can help moving day go as smoothly as possible so that you can focus on the important things.
When moving as part of a chain, finding a moving day that works for everyone can be challenging. Sometimes, the timings between moving out of your old home and in to your new one may not perfectly align. Many removal companies also offer storage solutions, providing a temporary, secure space where you can leave your belongings during this transition period. Once your possessions are safely stored, you will have more flexibility to accommodate any unexpected delays or unforeseen circumstances.
Here at Simon Long Removals, we’re here to take the stress out of your moving day. Having been in operation for over 20 years, we have plenty of experience handling difficult property chains and can help your moving day go off without a hitch. We also provide a range of flexible self-storage solutions, where we can securely keep your belongings during any difficult transition period.
With offices in Thetford, Kings Lynn, Cambridge and Norwich, our BAR-accredited experts are here to help facilitate any move to the Norfolk region — simply contact us today.
