One in four property sales falling through as buyer caution remains
25% of property sales fell through before completion in the third quarter of the year, according to new figures from Quick Move Now.
According to Quick Move Now’s data, buyer and lender caution remain the main causes of failed sales.
Reasons for failed property sales
| Reason | Percentage of failed sales |
| Buyer changed mind about property or had a change in personal circumstances | 11% |
| Buyer had difficulty securing a mortgage | 7% |
| Buyer pulled out due to survey | 3% |
| Down valuation | 1% |
| Chain break | 1% |
| Legal issues that came up during conveyancing | 1% |
| Other | 1% |
Danny Luke, Quick Move Now’s managing director, commented: “Sale volumes continue to be resilient, but buyer and lender caution remain.
“We’re seeing this caution play out in the reasons for failed property sales, with buyers less willing to take a chance on a property they’re not 100% about or where issues come to light during the property survey or conveyancing process.
“We’re also seeing caution from lenders, with 7% of property sales being impacted by the buyer having difficulty securing a mortgage and a further 1% of sales falling through due to down valuation.
“The much-awaited autumn statement is definitely contributing to this caution, as speculation and anticipation gather pace. This seems to have caused the usual Christmas slowdown to start earlier this year. What 2026 holds for the property market will very much depend on what materialises in the budget announcement.”
Any homeowners looking for advice on ways to prevent their property sale falling through can read Quick Move Now’s guide on the subject: https://www.quickmovenow.com/advice/what-to-do-if-your-house-sale-falls-through