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When your house sale falls through
Updated October 2026
Sales in England and Wales can collapse any time before exchange of contracts, often because of a chain problem, a mortgage issue or a survey result.
What to do
- Ask your agent whether earlier interested buyers are still around
- Find out why it failed; a survey issue may need fixing or pricing in
- Consider buyers who are chain-free: first-time buyers, cash buyers or investors
Reducing the risk next time
Have your paperwork ready (ID, title, certificates for any works), instruct a solicitor early, and ask your agent to check a buyer's finances and chain before accepting.
Need help?
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