Long completion time

GhostwriterUK

I have been involved in selling my nice flat for just over five months. I made an offer on a small flat that was accepted. I also found a buyer for my flat very quickly but her buyer pulled out at the last minute. She then found a new buyer within two weeks Her new buyer has a buyer who is first time. Everything has been proceeding.well until now.
The owner of my potential new flat has been happy to wait and both she and myself have been ready to exchange for a couple on months;
The first time buyers at the bottom are ready to exchange.
However, the buyers of my buyers house are proving difficult. One of them is the female half of a couple that are separating, but who are selling their existing house to the first time buyers at the bottom. At first the man of the couple would not sign the contract and only did so yesterday after prevaricating for two or three weeks. He is also saying that he wants a delay of just over two months between exchange and completion as he will be going into rented and hasn't found anywhere yet.
I am concerned that a long delay is risky for me as anything could happen. The estate agent is suggesting we agree to the long delay, whereas the solicitor is cautious, suggesting I could be vulnerable.
Does anyone have any experience or advice to share please ...

hazyjo

Always listen to your solicitor, never the EA.


Average is 3 months from offer to completion. The fact your chain collapsed, take those 3 months from when the chain was eventually formed again. How long into that are you? (Forget the fact it's 5 months altogether, it's not relevant any more.)


Try to agree on something like 6 weeks between exchange and completion. That wouldn't particularly worry me. Check with your solicitor.


Check mortgage offers. Most expire after 6 months. Not all can be extended.