Buying and Selling at the Same Time — What to Expect

For most people, moving home means buying and selling a house at the same time. It's more complex than doing either one in isolation, but with the right preparation and a good solicitor, it's completely manageable. This guide explains what to expect.

What is a Property Chain?

A property chain is a sequence of linked property transactions. If you're selling your home to buy another, and the person buying your home is also selling, you're all part of the same chain. Everyone in the chain needs to be ready to exchange and complete at the same time — which is why chains can be slow and sometimes fragile.

Chains can involve just two parties or more than ten. The longer the chain, the more risk of something going wrong.

Why Buying and Selling at the Same Time Is More Complex

When you're doing both simultaneously:

• Your sale and purchase need to be legally ready to exchange at the same time

• You need to coordinate completion dates with everyone in the chain

• Your mortgage offer needs to remain valid until completion

• Any delay in any part of the chain affects everyone above and below it

It's a lot of moving parts — but solicitors who handle residential conveyancing deal with this every day.

Tips for Managing Both Transactions

Instruct early

As soon as your offer is accepted (or you accept an offer on your home), instruct your solicitor immediately. Don't wait for paperwork to arrive before you act. The sooner they're instructed, the sooner they can get started.

Keep communication flowing

Your solicitor will liaise with the other solicitors in the chain, but it helps to stay in regular contact. Don't assume everything is progressing — ask for updates at least weekly.

Be realistic about timescales

A chain transaction commonly takes 12 to 20 weeks. If anyone promises you it'll be done in six weeks, ask them why they think that's realistic.

Have a plan for bridging

If your sale completes before your purchase (or vice versa), you may need short-term accommodation or a bridging loan. Discuss this scenario with your solicitor early so you're not caught off guard.

Can You Use the Same Solicitor for Buying and Selling?

Yes, in most cases — and it can simplify things considerably. Having one firm handling both sides of your transaction means they have a complete picture of your situation and can coordinate between both more easily. Many firms also offer a small discount for doing both.

The exception is if there's a conflict of interest (which is rare in straightforward transactions) or if the firm you choose isn't licensed to act in the area where the new property is located.

What Happens If the Chain Breaks?

Chains do sometimes collapse — usually because a buyer or seller pulls out, a mortgage offer is withdrawn, or a survey reveals serious issues. If this happens:

• You may lose the costs you've incurred so far (searches, survey, legal fees for work done)

• Your solicitor will advise on whether the chain can be restructured or if you need to start again

• Home buyer protection insurance can cover some of these costs — worth considering before you start

Chain collapses are stressful, but they're not the end of the world. Most buyers and sellers find a way through.

Get Expert Conveyancing Support

Managing a simultaneous purchase and sale starts with finding a solicitor who communicates well and keeps things moving. EasyMuve connects you with regulated conveyancers who handle chain transactions every day.

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