Why more sellers are breaking the chain with short lets
Over the past year, we’ve seen an increasing number of clients successfully sell their home, only to find themselves stuck when their perfect next property doesn’t appear quickly enough or their original choice has fallen through. Traditionally, this is where sales fall apart but that doesn't have to be the case with a smart, strategic solution.
Selling a property is one thing. Finding the right onward purchase at the right time is another altogether. Timescales drift, pressure builds through the chain, and what should have been a positive move becomes stressful and uncertain.
In a traditional chain, one delay such as an onward purchase fall through or struggle to even find one can have a knock-on effect for everyone involved. As uncertainty creeps in, decisions can start to feel rushed, rather than well considered. Increasingly, we’re seeing sellers step back, reassess their options and choose a smarter, more strategic approach that gives them greater control over their move.
Breaking the chain without breaking the sale
Rather than allowing an agreed sale to fall through because an onward purchase isn’t yet in place, more sellers are choosing to break the chain altogether by moving into short-let accommodation.
This allows their sale to proceed smoothly, while buying them valuable time to find the right next property, not just the next available one.
For many, this initially feels like a big step. In reality, it often turns out to be far less disruptive, and far more empowering, than expected.
Why short lets make practical sense
Short lets are typically fully furnished, which simplifies the move considerably. Most personal belongings can be placed into storage, leaving you to move with just a few suitcases of essentials. It removes the pressure of coordinating removals on the same day as completion and significantly reduces the stress that often comes with moving day.
We’ve had clients comment that it’s one of the calmest moves they’ve ever experienced. No frantic unpacking, no pressure to make everything work immediately, and no compromise on their onward purchase.
Instead, they can take their time, move items out of storage when they’re ready, and focus on finding a home that truly fits their needs.
A stronger buying position than ever
Perhaps the biggest advantage is what happens next. It may feel like you are spending more on storage and short term accommodation, but once your sale has completed, you’re no longer part of a chain. You become a cash buyer in a fully proceedable position, which puts you in a significantly stronger negotiating position when you do find the right property.
In competitive markets, this can be the difference between securing a home or missing out. Vendors value certainty, and a buyer with no chain, funds in place and flexibility on timescales is incredibly attractive.
In many cases, clients have gone on to secure better deals or win out against competing buyers purely because of this position.
An abundance of short-let options
The good news is that short-let accommodation is more readily available than many people realise.
During the pandemic, a large number of holiday homes entered the short-let market as overseas travel became more difficult and expensive. While travel patterns have since normalised and more people are heading abroad again, there remains a healthy supply of flexible, short-term accommodation in many areas.
This gives sellers options, whether that’s a few weeks or a few months, depending on their circumstances and plans.
It’s about having options, not forcing decisions
Every move is different, and short lets won’t be the right solution for everyone. But what we’re passionate about is finding solutions and making sure our clients understand all of the options available to them.
Whether that’s:
- Using a short let to break a chain
- Exploring a short let within your own property while trying to sell it so you can move on
- Moving your existing property to a buy to let mortgage for longer term rental if struggling to sell which can still allow onward purchase
- Finding alternative ways to keep your sale on track while you search
....The key is knowing that there are solutions.
If you’re feeling stuck, under pressure from a chain, or worried about losing a buyer because timescales don’t quite align, talk to us. With decades of experience and a proactive approach, we’re often able to unlock routes forward that clients hadn’t previously considered.
Moving home doesn’t have to mean compromising. Sometimes, taking a short step sideways is what allows you to move forward with confidence.
If you’d like to talk through your situation or explore whether a short let could work for you, get in touch. We’re always happy to help you find a way forward.
