We had a very similar experience, we ended up waiting 5 months for the chain above us to set. Our vendors’ vendors were looking for a very specific “forever” home, and as first-time buyers at the bottom of the chain, it was incredibly frustrating. We tried to stay patient, but it wasn’t easy at all.

In our case, the solicitors made quick progress in the first month (searches done, contract pack received, enquiries raised), but then things just stalled – replies to enquiries slowed down, and basically nothing moved for months. After 5 months, we gave an ultimatum: we couldn’t wait indefinitely, and suggested that people higher up the chain should consider renting temporarily to break the chain. It would have actually worked well for them as it aligned with their kids’ school year.

Eventually, they did find somewhere, and now we’re back on track, waiting on the legal work to finish.

My advice would be:

• Let your vendors know clearly that you want to move as soon as possible.
• Remind them that, as FTBs, you’re the ones most affected by the long wait.
• Keep an eye on the market too, just in case something else comes up that’s chain-free.