4.5 weeks since offer, no further forward

[Kkaayy]

Our sale is going through nicely with draft contract shared and searches ongoing however our purchase doesn’t seem to be moving. It’s been 4.5 weeks since we had our offer accepted and our solicitors are still waiting for draft contract and won’t order searches till they have received this.

I chased estate agents last week (same estate agents for our sale and purchase) and they informed me it’s difficult as our vendors are divorcing and not really communicating with each other - he thought she was dealing with it all and she thought he was dealing with it all 🙄. Our estate agent said she’d keep a close eye on it and ensure it’s being regularly chase. Another Friday rolls around and we are still awaiting draft contract and the estate agent doesn’t seem to be chasing unless I’m on at them to chase which I have done today but as it’s Friday, nothing is now likely to be done till next week!

Our purchase is empty, both have moved out and so the house is just sitting there, you’d think they’d be a rush to get rid of it so they can move on with their lives.

Any advice? I don’t want to be in the position where our sale is ready to exchange and our purchase isn’t and our buyers start putting pressure on us to break the chain 😣

Am I expecting too much too soon?

Honestly- unless you have infinite patience, or really love the place, best to find another the property.
In your position I would give an ultimatum to sellers to get their shit together.
Consider moving into a temporarily rental place if needed so you don’t lose your buyer.

I definitely wouldn't spend any money on searches etc. until your solicitors have the draft contract and things are moving. Are you getting a survey?

Surprised the EA aren't pushing more as they won't get the funds for either property if they don't sell both! I would be tempted to mention to the EA that you will look elsewhere if nothing moves soon. All they need to do is fill in the property info form. This is the problem though, if nobody is doing the paperwork there's just a lot of waiting from everyone else! You are not being unreasonable to be pushy on this. I would expect to have this by now and as you say if the house is empty that means they surely want it gone but also are paying money to keep it currently for no benefit.