Yuk! Yuk! Yuk!! House chains are the worst things in the world (well p'rpas not as bad as disasters and terrorism but they're pretty grim!)
Anyway, I hope that things are picking up for you this side of Christmas LEE, and that you can get those contracts exchanged so that things are binding and you can get access to your new house.
My fingers, toes and ankles are crossed for you!!