Can exchange take place if one/more of the parties are abroad?

[stripedcushion]

Just that really. In a long chain. Lots of delays for silly reasons and today I find out 2/5 of the chain are going on holiday soon. I've been told by our estate agent that they've signed all paperwork and would be happy to exchange whilst abroad but is this possible?

Yes, I recently sold a house in the U.K. while living abroad. My solicitor had all the paperwork she needed from me in advance, and I just needed to send her an email on the day confirming my permission to exchange. Same with completion. I think it’s pretty standard.

Can’t see why not - they would need to be available to confirm they’re happy to exchange (we just exchanged this week and my solicitor rang that morning just to confirm I was happy to do so) so as long as they can do that there shouldn’t be an issue.

However, if they’re abroad will they be available to take a call or otherwise provide instructions at the necessary time? I would worry that the holiday might get in the way/call might not connect etc.

Thanks both. That's really reassuring to hear. Both families are due to fly next week but we were hoping to exchange then so I felt a sudden urge to cry when I found out they'd be going abroad. It's been a looooong wait...

We exchanged today. Literally a phone call from solicitor as said by a PP so no reason why that can't be done while on holiday

When we bought a house, the vendors were living in Australia. Exchange wasn't a problem at all. Though getting answers to questions or any paperwork done etc took twice as long with the time difference.

Providing all the paperwork is signed, exchange happens remotely. So as long as you are contactable, it is possible.

I recall getting a phone call confirming exchange whilst barrelling down a French motorway, and completing whilst at Legoland.

Yes, absolutely fine as long as contracts are signed and returned and someone is reachable to agree to exchange. In the end, I think our solicitor only confirmed by email that we were ready to exchange (we’d had lots of phone calls back and forth in the days before). He literally never spoke to Dh once during the process.

Thank you again everyone- this is all very reassuring. Now to hope and pray that exchange actually happens next week... 🥴

I have to add that in our recent sale (London), our buyer's solicitor was bizarrely uncomfortable with exchanging with the buyer abroad. We had to find a new date after the buyer came back. Our EA said this was very old fashioned but that some solicitors still think like this.

Someone in our chain was going on holiday during exchange and they said it wouldn't be a problem, their solicitor was fine with it etc.... but apparently not! 3 days later we still hadn't exchanged as solicitor couldn't get hold of her on the phone during her holiday! So i'd be wary if they're on holiday overseas :(