How long does it take to sell a house with no chain?

If you’re reading this, you’re probably planning to sell a property without a chain – and that’s great news. Chain-free sales are usually quicker, simpler and far less stressful. To help you navigate the process, our property experts have pulled together their top tips in this helpful guide.

What does “a house with no chain” mean​?

When buying a property, most buyers are in a chain, where multiple people are buying and selling houses at the same time. For example, Fred is waiting to sell his house to Betty, but Betty is waiting to sell her house to Fran. If a part of the chain breaks, let’s say Fran can’t get a mortgage for Betty’s house, Betty needs to find another buyer before she can buy Fred’s place. A chain breaking can affect everyone down the line. 

Housing chains are very common but there is limited reporting of how long these chains are.  Some estimates are the average chain is between 3–6 properties, whereas others put the average at 2-3.  Either way, the more properties in a chain, the more that can and does go wrong. 

If you’re selling a house with no chain, for example if you are moving into a rented accommodation or family home, you don’t need to worry about other people when it comes to the purchase. Houses with no chains are generally more appealing, as it means buyers can move in faster with less hassle. 

How long does it take to sell a house with no chain in the UK?

Every property sale is different, so there isn’t a guaranteed amount of time it takes to sell a house – with or without a chain. However, the average time it takes to sell a house is around six months.

• Before you put your house on the market, you might need to spend some time getting it ready for photos and viewings. Remember, you only get one chance to make a first impression, so take care of any little jobs.
  Timeline: depends on how much work is needed! 

1. 1. A professional property evaluation will help you understand how much your house is worth, so you can ensure it is listed at a fair price.
      Timeline: This generally takes up to half an hour, with the report taking just a few days.
   2. Get in touch with an estate agent who can help you get your home on the market, including photography and organising viewings.
      Timeline: One week
   3. Waiting for a buyer to make an offer
      Timeline: who knows! Any longer than 6-8 weeks, you might need to reconsider your approach.

• You’ve got an offer and accepted it, hurrah! The next step is to hire a conveyancing solicitor to help you with the process of selling. The solicitor will take you through legal steps, paperwork and conveyancing.
  Timeline: 2-6 weeks. You can get ahead of the game by lining up a solicitor as soon as your house goes on the market.

• A survey will then need to be completed to check the structural integrity of both the inside and outside of the property, including damp, walls, windows and plumbing.
  Timeline: 4 – 7 working days

1. 1. Once the survey is complete, a contract will need to be drafted and exchanged and the buyer will need to agree with everything included in the contract. Timeline: 8 – 12 weeks

• Almost there! The next step will be a transfer of the deed, which happens only once the contracts are signed.
  Timeline: A day

• On completion day, the buyer’s funds are sent to the seller, via both parties’ solicitors. Once this happens, the buyer will officially be the legal owner of the house and they can pick up the keys and enjoy their new home.
  Timeline: A day

Selling a house with no chain FAQs

How long after searches to completion, with no chain?

The conveyancing work involved in selling a house can still take between 12 to 16 weeks to complete. Once this is complete, the remaining tasks should only take you a few days. 

Can you speed up the legal process if selling with no chain?

Yes you can.  A simple sale to a cash buyer will be the fastest way to sell with no chain.  This can reduce the timescales to 6-8 weeks, and it can be even quicker if you opt to sell to a professional property buying company.

How long to sell a house if my buyer needs to arrange a mortgage?

Every house sale is different, and every lender is different, but it takes about 6 months on average. An on-the-market sale can be done in as little as 3 months, while selling to a cash buyer can be done in a week.

How long from signing contracts to completion?

Completing normally happens one week after the contracts are signed, although in some cases this can happen on the same day.

Sell your house fast with House Buyer Bureau 

If you’re looking to sell your house quickly and without any hassle, our team can help.  We offer a guaranteed cash sale in a timeline that suits you, with the ability to provide an offer in a matter of days. Get in touch with our team today for a free, no-obligation chat about what we can do for you.

Chris

Chris

Chris has worked in property all his career, first as a successful estate agent before spotting a gap in the market for buying property directly from people looking for a simple, quick sale.

He has a passion for property and as an experienced valuer, has looked at well over 50,000 properties so far at HBB. He has extensive experience in property buying and regularly comments in the press on property matters, trends and promotes ways to simplify and speed up the selling process.

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