Nearly one in three house sales marked “Sold Subject to Contract” (STC) in the UK fail to complete, with 31.3% of transactions collapsing in 2024. These failed sales cost sellers an average of £3,370 per transaction and often lead to delays, frustration, and financial loss.
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Why Do House Sales Fall Through?
House sales fall through for several reasons, with the most common being:
- Mortgage rejections: Buyers fail to secure financing (21-40%).
- Survey issues: Problems uncovered during surveys lead to renegotiations or withdrawals (19%).
- Buyer withdrawal: Buyers change their minds or find alternative properties (23%).
- Chain collapses: Linked transactions break down, affecting all parties involved (14%).
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These issues highlight the fragile nature of property transactions, particularly when reliant on buyer financing or complex chains.
How Many House Sales Fall Through After Offer Accepted?
Statistics show that 31% of sales collapse after an offer is accepted. Regional variations exist, with Wales experiencing a 45% fall-through rate, while the North East fares better at 24%.
What Are the Chances of a House Sale Falling Through?
The earlier the stage, the higher the risk of a sale falling apart, as the table below shows:
| Stage of Sale | Likelihood of Collapse |
|---|---|
| Pre-survey | 39% |
| Post-survey | 27% |
| Pre-exchange | 22% |
| Post-exchange | 1% |
What Happens When a House Sale Falls Through?
When a sale falls through pre-exchange, sellers lose time and incur legal fees ranging from £1,200 to £2,500. If it happens post-exchange, buyers may forfeit their deposit (1-5% of the purchase price), but sellers still face delays in relisting their property.
Are Cash Buyers Better?
Cash house buyers such as Property Saviour are often seen as more reliable because they eliminate many common risks:
- No mortgage delays or rejections.
- No chain dependencies.
- Faster completions, typically within 7–28 days.
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However, cash buyers often offer 25% below market value, which may not suit sellers seeking maximum returns.
Can You Sue If a House Sale Falls Through?
Legal action is only possible after contracts are exchanged. Before this stage, there is no binding agreement. Sellers can protect themselves with Home Sale Protection insurance, which covers up to £2,500 in losses.
When to Walk Away from a House Sale?
It may be time to step back if:
- Deadlines for surveys or mortgage approvals are repeatedly missed.
- The buyer refuses to address significant survey findings.
- The property chain becomes unstable or excessively long.
Tips to Reduce Fall-Through Risks
To minimise the chances of a sale collapsing:
- Request proof of mortgage approval from buyers early on.
- Set clear deadlines for surveys and legal checks (e.g., 14 days).
- Consider cash buyers for quicker and more secure transactions.
- Keep backup buyers interested in case the first deal fails.
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Do solicitors charge if a house sale falls through?
Yes, solicitors charge for work already completed if a sale falls through. Costs depend on how far along the process you are.
How long does a failed house sale delay you?
A failed sale can delay your next move by 4 months or more. In some cases, delays can stretch to over 12 months.
What can I do if my house sale keeps falling through?
You can:
- Investigate why previous sales failed.
- Fix any survey issues identified.
- Consider cash buyers like Property Saviour who offer “We Buy Any House” service for a quicker, guaranteed sale.
We Buy Any House in Any Condition
Selling your home doesn’t have to be stressful. At Property Saviour, we offer a simple solution: a fair cash price and a quick sale in as little as 10 days. No viewings, no repairs, no uncertainty—just a hassle-free sale on your terms.
Whether your property is inherited, needs work, or you’re ready to move on, we buy any house as-is. Get in touch today for a no-obligation cash offer and take the first step towards a stress-free property sale.
Property Saviour Price Promise
- The price we’ll offer is the price that you will receive with no hidden deductions.
- Be careful with ‘cash buyers’ who require a valuation needed for a mortgage or bridging loan.
- These valuations or surveys result in delays and price reductions later on.
- We are cash buyers. There are no surveys.
- We always provide proof of funds with every formal offer issued.
We'll Pay £1,500 Towards Your Legal Fees
- No long exclusivity agreement to sign because we are the buyers.
- You are welcome to use your own solicitor.Â
- If you don’t have one, we can ask our solicitors for recommendations.
- We share our solicitor’s details and issue a Memorandum of Sale.Â
Sell With Certainty & Speed
- Our approach is transparent and ethical, which is why sellers trust us.
- 100% Discretion guaranteed.Â
- If you have another buyer, you can put us in a contracts race to see who completes first.
- Complete in 10 days or at a timescale that works for you. You are in control.
