What Happens Between Exchange and Completion, And What Could Go Wrong?

Buying or selling a home is an exciting yet complex journey, and few parts of the process feel as nerve-racking as the period between the exchange of contracts and completion. This short but critical window can determine whether a property transaction ends in celebration or frustration.

In this post, we’ll break down what happens between exchange and completion, highlight what can go wrong, and share how Home Sale Hub can step in to help, especially if a chain break threatens your move.

What Happens After the Exchange of Contracts?

The exchange of contracts is the point at which a property transaction becomes legally binding. Both buyer and seller sign identical contracts, and the buyer pays a deposit (usually 10% of the purchase price). From this moment, the buyer is legally obligated to buy, and the seller is legally bound to sell.

The completion date is then agreed, which can be anything from the same day to several weeks later. On completion, the remaining funds are transferred, keys are handed over, and the new owner can move in.

Key Activities During This Time

Finalise mortgage funds: Lenders prepare to release the mortgage funds, usually requiring a few working days’ notice.
Arrange removals: Buyers and sellers book moving vans and begin packing.
Utility handovers: Meter readings are scheduled, and accounts are closed or transferred.
Final checks: Buyers may request a final viewing to ensure the property hasn’t changed since the exchange.
Legal preparations: Solicitors handle final paperwork, transfer deeds, and pre-completion searches.

What Could Go Wrong Between Exchange and Completion?

Although rare, several things can go wrong during this time, and the consequences can be costly:

1. Chain Break

If one party in a property chain pulls out or is delayed, it can ripple across multiple transactions, causing deals to collapse.

2. Mortgage Delays

Lenders can delay releasing funds if paperwork is incomplete or if the buyer’s financial situation changes unexpectedly.

3. Property Damage or Issues

A flood, fire, or other issue affecting the property before completion can cause serious delays and disputes.

4. Legal or Title Complications

Last-minute issues with the property’s title or planning permissions may require urgent resolution.

5. Cold Feet

While rare (since exchange is legally binding), buyers or sellers may still try to back out, leading to financial penalties or litigation.

How to Deal With These Challenges

Stay in constant contact with your solicitor and estate agent.
Double-check mortgage arrangements with your lender, confirming timelines.
Take out home insurance from the day of exchange, not completion.
Have a backup plan if you’re part of a chain, especially if timing is tight.

When the Chain Breaks — We’re Your Safety Net

At Home Sale Hub, we understand how heartbreaking and stressful a chain break can be. That’s why we offer a fast, no-fuss solution: we buy any house, in any condition.

Whether you’re facing a failed buyer, struggling to secure your onward purchase, or dealing with a chain collapse, we can step in and complete the purchase of your home on a timeline that works for you.

We’re not estate agents, we’re your plan B that feels like a plan A.

Need Help Now? Let’s Talk

Don’t let your sale fall apart between exchange and completion. Contact us today to get a cash offer within 24 hours and see how we can help you move forward, chain or no chain.

We buy any house, in any condition. Let us be the helping hand when the process gets tough.