Death between exchange and completion - what happens to the chain?

Alfrescodave

pinkteapot said:

If I knew there was someone seriously unwell in the chain, I'd be negotiating for as short a period between exchange and completion as the chain will agree to (normally I like a longer period to get organised with removals etc).

Absolutely. Exchanging and completing on the same day (not without its own risks) minimises the risk associated with one of the parties dying before completion takes place.

DaveG1111

Thanks for the recent applies.  Discussing the option of E / C on same day with my solicitor.

MrsBNow

We had this, we exchanged and completed on the same day once we knew she had survived the night.
The house was top of the chain so the other suggestion was a tenancy agreement with a peppercorn rent so we could at least move and not be homeless.

Ath_Wat

user1977 said:

Bluntly, it would seem unwise for a seller to exchange contracts if they're not reasonably certain that they're going to survive until completion.

To be fair it's not going to be a problem for them.

mebu60

DaveG1111 said:

Thanks for the recent applies.  Discussing the option of E / C on same day with my solicitor.

One of the conveyancers I have just had a quote from has a supplementary charge of £150 + VAT if the time between E and C is less than 5 working days! Given I am planning to purchase before sale of mine that exposes me to an additional £360 for something I have no control or influence over. They have more than I do. Have told them I will not countenance instructing them on this basis. There are other more minor issues too. I have been totally underwhelmed by the two conveyancers I have had quotes from thus far, I have no confidence in their abilities from my initial interactions. Awaiting quote from a third company. It should not be this difficult! 

DaveG1111

Thankfully, for all concerned, the hypothetical didn't become reality and I exchanged and completed today.