LONDON, UK. February 3rd, 2026 – New analysis from Open Property Group highlights that failed UK property deals are costing UK homeowners millions. Industry data reveals that almost one in three agreed property sales never reach completion.
Recent property market data shows the scale of the issue clearly:
- 28-31% of agreed UK property sales fall through before completion, according to multiple industry reports
- Over 1 million residential property transactions typically complete in the UK each year
- Government analysis estimates failed sales cost buyers and sellers more than £400 million annually in wasted fees
- Individuals lose an average of £2,700 per failed transaction, with some losses exceeding £5,000
Latest statistics show that just over one million residential property transactions typically complete in a full year. However, industry estimates indicate this masks a significantly higher number of attempted sales, many of which collapse due to broken chains, down-valuations, mortgage refusals, gazumping or delays in the conveyancing process.
The financial impact of failed transactions is substantial. UK Government analysis linked to home buying and selling reform estimates that fall-throughs cost buyers and sellers more than £400 million per year in wasted expenses, including legal fees, surveys, mortgage valuations and administrative costs.
Failed transactions reduce market liquidity, prolong property chains and contribute to stress and uncertainty for households already navigating high living costs and fluctuating mortgage rates.
Jason Harris-Cohen, Managing Director of Open Property Group, said the figures highlight a disconnect between headline market data and real-world seller experience.
“On paper, transaction volumes can look reassuring, but they don’t show how many people are stuck in failed sales for months, paying fees and living in limbo,” said Harris-Cohen.
“We speak to homeowners every day who have lost thousands of pounds through no fault of their own because a buyer pulled out late or a chain collapsed. For many, the hidden cost isn’t just financial, it’s emotional stress, delayed life plans and growing uncertainty. When sales fall through repeatedly, trust in the system erodes, and people begin to question whether the traditional process is fit for purpose in today’s market. That loss of confidence has wider consequences, slowing movement across the housing market and discouraging sellers from re-listing quickly. Over time, this reduces choice for buyers and ultimately weakens the resilience of the entire property market.
“For homeowners under time pressure, whether due to financial strain, probate timelines or personal circumstances, these delays can be devastating. Many are left absorbing repeated costs while facing mounting uncertainty, with little recourse when transactions collapse late in the process. Without meaningful reform or alternative routes to sale, the imbalance of risk remains firmly stacked against sellers, who continue to pay the price for a system that fails to deliver certainty.”
ENDS