When a chain breaks, start with what changed.

Establish your legal position first

Ask your conveyancer whether contracts have been exchanged and what commitments are already binding. In England and Wales, an offer alone is not binding before exchange. The response to a problem after exchange is different and needs legal advice. See GOV.UK’s explanation.

Find out which dependency failed

Was the issue your buyer’s funding, their own sale, a survey, or a change of plan? Ask your agent and conveyancer what is known, what remains uncertain and whether your onward seller can accommodate a revised timetable.

A chain-free buyer removes one dependency. It does not remove title checks, funding verification or the need to agree a contract.

Compare a replacement buyer with a direct offer

• What evidence supports the buyer’s funding?
• Which conditions remain before they can proceed?
• What would you receive after fees and other costs?
• How would a lower price affect the next purchase?
• Which dates are targets, and which are contractually agreed?

Give the review team the useful facts

Share the agreed price, why the chain failed, your preferred date and any property issue already identified. We’ll explain whether a direct purchase could work for you and what checks are still needed. Wait for confirmed arrangements before committing to a new moving date.