FTB messed up the process - might end up homeless!

Indigo_and_Violet

The good news is empty makes it easier to have a short (or no) gap between exchange and completion. In terms of useful stuff you could do now while trying to get hold of the solicitor and landlord:
- Sort your financials. Do you have your deposit in an account it can easily be moved out of for when you start transferring to the solicitor? Do you know if you'll be able to make the transfer all at once or will you need to drip in over several days?
- Sort your stuff. Start getting rid of stuff that isn't coming, packing up stuff that's either going straight to the new house or storage if needed. Make a plan for moving (van, own car, friends?)
- Sort your plan c-e. Personally, I have a good feeling for you. Agent is keen, property seems straightforward and you don't think your landlord has found anyone else so is probably happy to have you for a bit longer if needed. However - if everything did go wrong - what would you do? Have you researched local storage facilities? Have to spoken to friends about whether you could stay with them for a few days? Looked to see if there's a good, cheap local hotel or AirBnB you can stay in? 
At this stage I wouldn't be paying any non-refundable monies in terms of deposits on movers or hotel bookings but I would like to have a clear idea of 'if x happens I will do y' and be ready to move on any of those plans quite quickly. 

MaryNB

GDB2222 said:

MaryNB said:

m0bov said:

Get your Solicitor to push for Exchange now. Also speak with your LL, ask for an extension. To be honest it would take them 6months+ of courts to get you out anyway.

Since the OP has given notice the tenancy will end once the notice is up. For the tenant to stay beyond their notice it could be seen as trespassing and the landlord may be able to charge double rent. 

That is indeed why several people have said the OP needs to talk with the landlord.

I'm aware. What I meant was it's not the same as if someone stays beyond an S21 notice and the landlord has to take them to court. In that scenario they just keep paying standard rent. If the landlord doesn't give the extension and they stay beyond their own notice to quit it's trespassing and they may be charged double rent. 

sareenz

Just to update -- I've made quite a few calls in the past few hours. Attempting to call our solicitor directly goes to her voice mail. Calling at the alternate number provided didn't help much since we were redirected to the call center and asked to leave a message. Finally I escalated this matter to our mortgage advisor who was the one who had recommended us this firm and he has promised he will speak to someone senior and try to get things sorted. Fingers crossed! :~

sareenz

Just to provide another "happy" update, we have finally managed to finish the exchange and completion for our first home. It sure was a bumpy ride (chasing up with a lot of folks and escalating) but now it's done.

A lesson learnt for us would be to 100% invest in a reliable solicitor who is always available to answer your queries and chase up folks. A few hundred pounds is not worth the grey hairs, at least for me!

TBG01

Or maybe the lesson should be, don't prematurely hand in your notice?

deannagone

Glad you have exchanged and  completed.  Well done.  Hope you enjoy your new home.