It is a tedious quirk of the house buying process that someone several steps removed can scupper the whole thing.
That is the reality of a property chain, which refers to a series of linked purchases vulnerable to major delays or even total collapse.
According to the latest Rightmove data, it now takes on average 145 days — almost five months — from having an offer accepted to exchanging. It’s little wonder that a home offered chain-free, perhaps due to probate or a cash-rich seller, is an attractive prospect.
We’ve rounded up ten of the best chain-free properties on the market now, from Victorian villas to slick new developments.
Woolwich, SE18
£800,000
This spacious end terrace home sits within a gated, Grade II-listed former Royal Military Academy designed by 18th century architect James Wyatt. There are three bedrooms, a low maintenance south-facing garden and an allocated parking space.
John Payne, 020 8128 2226
Bethnal Green, E2
£1.1 million
This three-bedroom Victorian home was subject to a stylish renovation by its architect owners, who installed a bespoke kitchen in birch ply and refurbished the sash windows. It’s within walking distance of both Cambridge Heath and Bethnal Green stations.
Easthaus, 020 8033 0391
Streatham Vale, SW16
£700,000
A four double bedroom, three bathroom house with good energy efficiency in this unusual modern development overlooking Rowan Park. Inside is almost 1,200 square feet of living space, plus a private garden and small balcony.
Marsh & Parsons, 020 8671 0171
Twickenham, TW2
£1.7 million
An early Victorian double-fronted villa on a quiet leafy street within walking distance of Twickenham town centre. There are four bedrooms, a separate study and a large garden, as well as herringbone wood floors. Travel into Waterloo via nearby Strawberry Hill station.
Antony Roberts, 020 8891 3209
Stratford, E15
£400,000
This bright studio flat is on the second floor of Tanners House, a new nine unit development close to the station. It includes access to a communal garden, Smeg applicances and taller-than-average ceilings.
Savills, 020 3227 0488
Islington, N1
£550,000
A large split-level flat in an appealing converted pub minutes from Dalston Junction, with three bedrooms, a spiral staircase and decked terrace. The well-utilised footprint includes a family bathroom, a master bedroom with en suite and a WC downstairs.
Winkworth, 020 3879 5972
Forest Hill, SE23
£425,000
This two bedroom apartment occupies the top floor of a smart Victorian semi. It comes with joint access to the garden and a share of freehold, plus almost 1,000 sq ft of living space – think white walls, solid wood flooring and a modern kitchen.
Winkworth, 020 7277 7298
South Tottenham, N15
£750,000
This four bedroom period home has a bright, well-judged rear extension – leading out onto the south-facing garden – and was refurbished by a passive house construction company six years ago. There are good links to the Victoria line at Seven Sisters.
Brickworks, 0203 096 0065
Camden, NW1
£950,000
This terraced home is tucked away on a quiet cobbled mews but close to Camden proper and four stations. It comes with three bedrooms, a double height reception and a private patio.
Portico, 020 7482 1060
Chislehurst, BR7
£1.1 million
In need of cosmetic modernisation, this family home has four double bedrooms, two receptions rooms, a separate study and an integrated garage over 2,000 square feet. From here there is easy access into Scadbury Park Nature Reserve.
