When the seller is trying to delay exchange

[Tohaveandtohold]

So yesterday we got an email from our solicitor saying our file is now ready for exchange and he needs permission from us to exchange and agree a completion date. We both called to give our permission to exchange and we agreed a completion date of the 10th of July. I thought that means we have exchanged but how wrong was I.
We got an email from our solicitor this morning to say that the seller is not ready to exchange till the 3rd of July but we would still complete on the 10th.
Who does that. DH and I think they are trying to drag things out but we don’t know why as they seemed so interested in completing ASAP before. Should we start giving ultimatums because we only have till the 18th of July in our rented flat. I just can’t think straight now. Could they be trying to gazump us after all these hassle or is it possible that they have a property they are trying to complete on as well (they told us they are moving into rented accommodation) FTB here and clueless

Are they buying somewhere too? As whole chain would normally exchange together

Oops just finished reading your post!

First off all, stop worrying.

This is totally normal. I work in a conveyancing firm and this happens every day. All parties need to be ready in order to exchange. As you are the start of the chain (FTB), your conveyancing has been completed a little earlier than anyone else in your chain.

You and your solicitor are both ready, therefore they asked for your confirmation that you were happy to exchange. It is not your seller who isn't ready and using delaying tactics, it would be the solicitor (presume they are both selling and buying) who isn't yet ready to exchange on the onward purchase.

The important thing here is that your completion date has been agreed and that hopefully (barring some kind of catastrophe) will go ahead as planned. It is just the exchange date which has been delayed.

Oops also missing the bit about going into a rental.

Perhaps their solicitor is waiting for something from them then or they have tied in a purchase and are therefore in a chain now.

Thanks so much for your replies, they said the completion date is agreed but unless they exchange, they are not bound by it. There’s no chain, just us (FTB) and the seller. We’re in England but the seller is moving to Scotland so they said they want to rent first to know the area before buying.
Why I’m just upset is because this whole thing started at the beginning of March, we are always quick and on on the go but when our seller needs to respond to any enquiries, etc, they have always been slow absolutely dragging their feet. They seemed so keen at the beginning but since then, they have just been dragging their feet.