Finding a home - Conveyancing - First time buyer

What does chain free mean when buying a property?

7 min read

Buying a property chain free often means fewer delays, less stress, and a stronger position when making an offer. At My Home Move Conveyancing, we see how chain-free purchases can move more smoothly, especially when buyers understand what chain free really means and how to use it to their advantage.

  • Arti Dhamu, Move Specialist at My Home Move Conveyancing
    Arti Dhamu

    Move Specialist

    Updated on

    Published

young couple sitting on the floor of their flat surrounded by boxes and a bubble wrapped sofa. Looking at their final moving paperwork and smiling at each other, excited to be moving to their new home

Chain-free buying: Key takeaways

  • Chain free means a buyer or seller does not need another property sale or purchase to complete.

  • Buying or selling chain free is usually faster, lower risk, and more attractive to the other party.

  • Even chain-free transactions can face delays, so good preparation and a conveyancer still matter.

Understanding whether a property is chain free can help you make better decisions as a buyer or seller. Below, we break down what chain free means, how it affects timescales and negotiations, and how you can reduce the risk of delays.

In this article, we cover:

What is a property chain?

A property chain is a sequence of connected property transactions, typically involving multiple buyers and sellers. It's like a domino effect, where one sale depends on the successful completion of another. Each participant in the chain relies on others to complete their transactions, which can complicate the buying and selling process.

What does no onward chain mean?

When a property is advertised as having ‘no onward chain’, or ‘no upward chain’, it means the seller isn't buying another property at the same time. This usually applies where the seller is:

  • Moving into rented accommodation

  • Relocating abroad

  • Selling a second or buy-to-let property

Is it easier to buy or sell a house chain free?

Buying or selling chain free is usually easier because:

  • There are fewer parties involved in the transaction

  • There’s less risk of delays caused by other buyers or sellers

  • Communication is simpler and more direct

This simplicity is why buying or selling a property chain free is often easier - and why chain-free buyers are frequently prioritised in competitive markets.

What issues can arise in a chain?

Common issues in a property chain include:

  • Mortgage approval delays

  • Problems flagged during surveys

  • Slow responses to legal enquiries

  • Buyers or sellers pulling out (gazumping or gazundering)

  • Availability issues, such as holidays or illness

What are the benefits of being a chain-free buyer?

As a chain-free buyer, you have no property to sell before purchasing, which places you in a strong negotiating position with sellers. You may have leverage to negotiate on the price or conditions of your offer, such as asking for the property to be taken off the market immediately. Your ability to move quickly and decisively can make you a more attractive and low-risk potential buyer, especially in a competitive housing market.

Young chain free first-time buyers lying on the floor of their new home

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What are the benefits of buying a chain free property?

For buyers, purchasing a property without an upward chain, means that you won't have to wait for the seller to find a suitable property or for other transactions to complete before you can move in. This can be particularly advantageous if you're on a tight schedule, such as relocating for a new job or for a school catchment area.

How long does a chain free purchase take?

A chain free purchase is typically quicker than one with a chain since there are no other properties to wait on. While standard purchases usually take between 14-22 weeks, chain-free purchases often complete more quickly. However, even with no chain, delays can still happen due to:

  • Slow return of paperwork

  • Delays with property searches

  • Mortgage lender processing times

  • Conveyancer availability

Once you instruct your conveyancer, they will provide a more accurate estimate based on your specific circumstances.

woman looking looking at her house purchase progress online to see how long left until completion

How long does conveyancing take?

January 23rd 2024-15 min read

The conveyancing process begins once an offer has been accepted on a property, how long this takes varies from case to case. There's no definitive answer however you can read our guide to find some rough timings.

Find out how long the conveyancing process takes

Are there any downsides to buying chain‑free?

While buying chain free has many perks, there are a few downsides to consider.

Potential downsides include:

  • Increased competition and bidding wars

  • Less flexibility from sellers on price or timescales

  • Pressure to move quickly with surveys and legal work

  • Risk of overlooking issues due to speed

Even so, most chain-free transactions still benefit from fewer moving parts than purchases involving a full property chain.

Types of chain-free sellers

Understanding who chain-free sellers are, can help you identify more opportunities. There are three types of chain-free sellers:

  • Downsizers: These are homeowners who've paid off their mortgage and are moving into rental properties or retirement homes. Since they're not buying another property, there's no onward chain.

  • Investors: Some sellers are investors looking to sell properties without buying new ones, maybe because they're cashing in their assets. They might be selling rental properties and are usually keen to complete the sale quickly.

  • Developers: Companies that build new homes often sell them without an onward chain. Buying from developers can ensure a chain-free transaction, and they might even offer incentives like part-exchange deals.

How can I find chain-free properties?

If you're keen on buying chain free, here are our tips to help you find these properties:

  • Talk to estate agents: Estate agents often know which properties are chain free. Let them know you're specifically interested in chain-free options so they can notify you when such properties become available.

  • Search for specific property types: Properties like new builds, probate sales, or vacant homes are more likely to be chain free. Focusing on these types can increase your chances of finding a suitable home.

  • Use online property portals: Many property websites let you filter your search to show chain-free homes. This can save you time and help you find suitable properties quicker.

How can you avoid being in a property chain?

To avoid the added stress that comes with a chain, there are a few actions you can take:

If you’re buying

  • Purchase a new build house: New builds typically have no upward chain. A lot of developers allow part-exchange options, which helps speed up the process if you have a property you need to sell.

  • Sell before you buy: Sell your current property and move in with friends or family, or rent, while you go through the process of buying a new home.

If you’re selling

  • Look for chain-free buyers: You could hold out until you find a buyer without a chain, or even give your estate agents the instruction to only accept offers from chain-free buyers.

  • Target cash buyers or developers: Target developers or people buying with cash as this usually allows for a chain free, quick sale.

If you’re thinking about doing any of these, it’s worth checking that the benefits of being chain free outweigh the time, cost and effort it takes to make yourself chain free or restricting yourself to only accepting chain free offers.

How can you prepare yourself as a chain-free buyer?

Being prepared can make your chain-free purchase even smoother. Here are some steps to take:

  • Secure financing ahead of time: Get a mortgage agreement in principle before you start house hunting. This shows sellers you're serious and financially ready to proceed.

  • Organise surveys and inspections: Once your offer is accepted, arrange for any necessary surveys and inspections as soon as possible. This helps prevent delays later on.

  • Stay communicative: Keep in regular contact with your conveyancer, mortgage advisor, and the seller or their agent. Good communication can help keep everything on track and address any issues quickly.

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