Is the chain breaking down?

[Esmeralda67]

I am supposed to complete in 12 days time and have been pushing to exchange so I can get everything prepared. I went into a rented property following my sale in order to break the chain there, but need to leave in 3 weeks. The solicitor and estate agent have been really poor at keeping in touch with me. I feel I have to contact them several times a week to get any information at all. Even then calls are not returned. Emails go unanswered or answers are very generic.

Today it has become clear that somewhere in the chain (not clear where) an issue has come to light that means there is a renegotiation on the property. My solicitors say it's not their issue. I am really afraid I am going to lose the property I want with just days to spare, and won't have anywhere to live.

I do have plenty of money from the previous sale so I'm not destitute but can't stand the thought of starting again.

is there anything I can actually do or am I at the mercy of other people with their own agendas?

I guess if you end up being privy to where in the chain the issue is you could increase your offer to make up a shortfall elsewhere.

That's what happened in our chain when our buyer gazundered us at the last minute for 10k. We took 10k less for ours and paid 5k less on the place we were buying.

What is the chain above the property you're purchasing?

Your agent should be pushing for answers- if there is further negotiations/paperwork then you may have no choice but to wait, but at the very least you should be able to find out whether or not you'll be completing next week.

It is possible to exchange and complete on the same day if everyone agrees to it, so it's not over yet- keep pushing your agent. Call the branch every day and demand to speak to a manager until you get answers. Go in if you're able to, make a complete nuisance of yourself basically.

If it's an issue with money in the chain, you may be able to make up the shortfall to push the sale along maybe? If you say this to the agent then this might move things along and get some answers.

My sellers are not asking for more money, I think it's the property above them that is the issue but I'm not sure. I don't have much surplus either as I am up to budget with my sale. I have called the estate agents and of course the person dealing with this sale is not in the office! My solicitors say they have no details and to contact the estate agents. The uncertainty is so awful. I have found myself back on Rightmove.

Surely your sellers will know though, if it's the property they're buying?

If your agent is away then you need to keep calling until someone else speaks to you. This is for them to investigate.