Buying a property is often exciting, but it can also be stressful — especially when your seller starts dragging their feet. If you’re facing frustrating delays, knowing how to respond can help you keep your purchase on track. Here’s what to do if your seller is causing hold-ups in the UK property process.
Understand why delays happen
Before taking action, it’s important to find out why the seller is delaying. Common reasons include:
- Waiting for an onward purchase to be secured
- Legal issues with the property, such as title defects
- Financial complications like outstanding mortgages
- Personal circumstances, such as family or health matters
Sometimes delays are unavoidable, but clear communication can help you understand the situation and plan your next steps.
Keep communication open
Stay in regular contact with your solicitor and estate agent. A good estate agency in Rochester will liaise between parties to keep things moving and avoid misunderstandings.
Make sure you:
- Request regular updates
- Ask for timelines to be agreed upon in writing
- Confirm all key points via email to create a paper trail
If you’re working with experienced Rochester estate agents like Belvoir, you’ll benefit from proactive management of the buying process, helping to minimise stress and delays.
Set realistic deadlines
If things are stalling, your solicitor can issue a notice to complete — a formal request for the seller to finalise the transaction within a set time (usually 10 working days).
This isn’t a step to take lightly, but it shows that you’re serious and gives the seller a clear deadline to meet.
Consider renegotiating
If the delay is due to minor issues, it may be worth offering a small incentive, such as a slight adjustment to the completion date, to move things along.
However, if the delay is significant and impacts your mortgage offer, moving plans, or other purchases, you might have grounds to renegotiate the price or terms.Your local estate agents in Rochester can advise you on the best approach depending on the circumstances.
Know when to walk away
While no buyer wants to lose a property they’ve set their heart on, sometimes the best decision is to walk away.
If delays continue without resolution and your own finances or plans are at risk, it might be time to reconsider. In such cases, the support of reliable property agents in Rochester is invaluable — helping you quickly refocus your search and secure an alternative property.
How a good estate agent can help
Choosing the right agent makes all the difference when managing a tricky purchase.
Top-rated agents like Belvoir ensure that both buyers and sellers are regularly updated, that all parties are aware of their responsibilities, and that potential problems are flagged early. Whether you’re looking for home valuation in Rochester, property investment in Rochester, or simply want the reassurance of expert guidance, Belvoir’s local knowledge and proactive approach can make a world of difference.
If you need help navigating delays or finding your next home, get in touch with the best estate agents in Rochester today.
Final thoughts
Delays in the homebuying process can be deeply frustrating, but they’re not insurmountable. With patience, clear communication, and the right team behind you, you can often find solutions that work for everyone involved.
Whether you’re buying, selling, or letting, working with the right Rochester estate agents ensures you have the support needed to overcome hurdles and reach completion with confidence. For trusted advice and hands-on support, speak to Belvoir, your local property experts.
