First time buyer advice

[ToffeeSheep]

I have no experience of buying a house in England and would be grateful for some advice on next steps for my DD and her BF who are first time buyers.

However, the sellers are dragging their feet. The house has been on the market since March but they don’t have anywhere to move to. They have viewed some properties but don’t like any of them so DD is no further forward.

Their offer was accepted 6 weeks ago. Their mortgage has been approved and building society survey done, all good. They are arranging a homebuyer’s report and their solicitor will arrange for searches to be carried out, although DD is reluctant to spend any more money if there is a risk of this purchase falling through.

They are currently renting a flat which is up for sale and while there is no sign of it selling any time soon, it could happen. Landlord has agreed that they can stay until they move into the house or the flat sells, whichever is sooner.

Can anyone advise what their next steps should be? They are keen to get this house but don't want to waste any more time or money. Thanks!

Definitely don't instruct solicitors or spend any more money until the sellers have found somewhere and the chain is complete (bear in mind they could find somewhere where the sellers are yet to find somewhere!)

How hard have the sellers been looking in those 6 weeks? There's a difference between dragging their feet and not finding anything suitable. They may not have been able to make any offers anywhere until they had an offer so March is a red herring- however I would expect them to be motivated and have viewings lined up.

In any event, there isn't much else your DD can do apart from wait. They could issue an ultimatum, but only if they are willing to follow through- and it might not do much, if the sellers haven't found anywhere yet they haven't found anywhere yet. If I was her I'd keep looking at what else was out there and line up some more viewings.