What chain-free actually means
A chain-free property has no onward purchase holding it up: it may be a probate sale. A repossession. A new build. A landlord selling a rented property. Or an owner who has already moved out.
You can also be chain-free as a buyer. A first-time buyer or someone selling to a cash purchaser and renting in between.
Typical timescales
| Scenario | Offer to completion |
|---|---|
| Cash buyer. Chain-free seller | 3–6 weeks |
| Mortgage buyer. Chain-free seller | 6–10 weeks |
| Two-property chain | 10–14 weeks |
| Four or more properties | 14–20 weeks |
The risks people miss
- Probate sales can stall if the grant of probate has not been issued.
- Long-empty properties often need damp. Heating and electrical work; budget for a full survey.
- Repossessions can be gazumped up to exchange as the lender must prove best value.
- A fast completion leaves little room to book a good removal firm at a standard rate.
Planning your removals for a fast completion
- Get quotes at the point your offer is accepted. Not after the survey.
- Ask about short-notice availability and midweek dates.
- Consider a storage-inclusive option if your sale completes before your purchase.
- Pack earlier than you think you need to. A chain-free completion date can move forward as well as back.