Planning a house removal can feel like juggling a hundred plates at once.
You find yourself being pulled in all directions, from securing a new home to arranging removals and ensuring the finances align, to contacting all those who need to know you are moving, and, of course, setting up at the new property.
The idea of it all collapsing at the last hurdle is more than daunting; however, it happens more often than you might think.
The good news? If your purchase doesn’t complete, it isn’t the end of the road.
Sometimes it even works in your favour by giving you a chance to re-evaluate, save money, and make a stronger plan.
Let’s take a look at what really happens if your house move falls through and how you can navigate the situation with less stress and upheaval.
Why Do House Sales Fall Through?
It’s essential to understand why moves collapse in the first place.
There are numerous reasons why; however, the most common include buyers pulling out after a negative survey, mortgage offers being withdrawn, or chains breaking down when another sale in the process fails.
According to the HomeOwners Alliance, around 3 in 10 property transactions in the UK fall through before completion – a high number.
Knowing this upfront helps soften the blow a little if it happens to you.
While it’s disappointing, it’s not unusual, and recognising the reasons gives you a sense of perspective and a chance to put a better plan in place for next time.
Mortgage Issues and How to Avoid Them
Mortgage hiccups are one of the main reasons property sales hit a wall.
The smartest move is to be thorough from the start and make sure everything is in order before committing.
Offers have expiry dates, and if the process drags on too long, that approval may lapse.
In other cases, a buyer’s personal circumstances can shift — such as a change of job or income — which may reduce the amount they’re able to borrow.
Most buyers will begin by obtaining a mortgage agreement in principle to demonstrate their seriousness and financial preparedness. While this is a good sign, it’s not a cast-iron promise. To keep things moving smoothly:
- Sellers should check that their buyer has this agreement in place before accepting an offer.
- Buyers should move quickly to secure a full mortgage offer once their bid is accepted.
- Avoid big financial changes, like switching careers or taking out new credit, as it could alter your affordability.
- Consider using a mortgage broker, who can guide you through the process and help you access the best deals.
Another hurdle buyers sometimes face is a down valuation. This happens when the lender’s valuation survey decides the property isn’t worth the price offered. If that occurs, renegotiation with the seller or finding extra funds may be necessary.
For further advice specifically aimed at mortgages and moving, you can visit MoneyHelper’s mortgage guide, which offers clear, independent information.
What Should You Do First?
When the news hits first, stay calm and pause before reacting.
Speak directly with your estate agent and/or solicitor to confirm exactly why the sale collapsed.
Very often, it is just a small snag that can be resolved quickly, such as missing paperwork or a delay in the chain.
If the deal really is off, your solicitor can advise on any legal or financial steps you need to take.
It’s also worth updating your estate agent straight away so they can re-list your property promptly and get you back on the market.
Acting quickly (but calmly) helps you regain control of the situation, even if it’s disappointing.
Can You Recover Your Costs?
One of the biggest frustrations of a failed house move is the money already spent.
Unfortunately, certain costs you may have already paid for, like surveys, mortgage arrangement fees, or searches, are unlikely to be refunded.
However, it’s always worth checking with your solicitor whether any pre-paid charges, such as disbursements, can be partially recovered.
Some buyers and sellers choose to protect themselves with “home buyers’ protection insurance,” which can cover a chunk of these losses in the future.
The Home Owners Alliance offers cover for just this occasion.
Even if you can’t recoup everything, knowing your options helps you plan smarter next time.
A survey doesn’t have a fixed expiry date, but most lenders and buyers accept it for 3–6 months. If your property remains in good condition, you may not need to pay for a fresh one immediately.
That’s because the property market can change quickly, and issues with the house (like damp, roof condition, or structural movement) may worsen over time.
So as long as all is in order with your home, at least you won’t have to pay for the survey again.
How to Stay Positive and Keep Moving Forward
It’s easy to feel deflated after a collapse, but try to reframe the situation.
Maybe the property wasn’t quite right for you after all.
Perhaps the timing wasn’t ideal, and this pause allows you to save more or find a better mortgage rate.
Use the downtime to research other homes, reassess your finances, and discuss with your lender what’s realistic moving forward.
Sites like Rightmove and Zoopla can help you spot fresh opportunities quickly.
Treat the setback as a stepping stone rather than a dead end.
How to Prevent a Future Collapse
While there’s no foolproof way to stop a move from failing, you can lower the risks.
Be upfront and transparent with your solicitor and estate agent from the outset.
Ensure your finances and mortgage in principle are solid before making an offer.
If you’re part of a chain, ask questions about its stability and how many people are in the chain; you’re entitled to know.
And finally, keep communication flowing; many collapses happen simply because parties go quiet or issues aren’t flagged early enough.
Respond to emails and verbal requests promptly.
Being proactive puts you in a stronger position next time around, which might make all the difference.
Why Curtiss Moving & Storage Has Your Back
When your move is back on track, you’ll want a removals company that is flexible and understands the ups and downs of the process.
At Curtiss Moving & Storage, we’ve helped countless families in Portsmouth and across Hampshire, as well as beyond, navigate challenging situations with professionalism and care.
Whether you need short-term storage while your sale catches up, or flexible moving dates to fit around last-minute changes, we’ve got you covered.
Our friendly team prides itself on reliability and exceptional customer service, ensuring that when the big day finally arrives, everything runs smoothly.
With Curtiss, you can look forward to moving into your new home with confidence.
Get in touch today!
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