What happens if your house move falls through?

Planning a house removal can feel like juggling a hundred plates at once.

From securing your new home and arranging removals to making sure the finances line up, the process is complex. The idea of it all collapsing at the last hurdle is more than daunting, yet 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. At Barnes of Lincoln Moving & Storage, we’ve seen almost every possible moving scenario since our establishment in 1921. We know that sometimes, a delay can even work in your favour, giving you a chance to re-evaluate and make a stronger plan. Let’s look at what happens if your move falls through and how you can navigate the situation with less stress.

Why Do House Move Falls Through?

Understanding why moves collapse is the first step. Common reasons include buyers pulling out after a negative survey, mortgage offers being withdrawn, or chains breaking down when another sale in the process fails.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. Knowing this upfront helps soften the blow. While it’s disappointing, it’s not unusual, and it gives you a chance to put a better plan in place for next time.

Mortgage Issues and How to Avoid Them

Mortgage hiccups are a primary reason property sales hit a wall. The smartest move is to be thorough from the start.

• Secure a Full Offer: A mortgage ‘agreement in principle’ is a good start, but buyers should move quickly to secure a full mortgage offer once a bid is accepted.
• Avoid Financial Changes: Don’t switch careers or take out new credit while your application is pending, as it could alter your affordability.
• Beware of Down Valuations: This happens when the lender’s survey decides the property isn’t worth the offered price. If this occurs, renegotiation with the seller may be necessary.

For clear, independent information, MoneyHelper’s mortgage guide is an excellent resource.

Expert Advice from Barnes of Lincoln

When the news hits, the first step is to pause. Before making any decisions, speak directly with your solicitor to confirm exactly why the sale collapsed.

Often, it can be a small snag like missing paperwork.

If the deal is truly off, your solicitor will advise on the next steps, and your estate agent can get the property back on the market promptly.

Acting quickly, but calmly, helps you regain control.

Can You Recover Your Costs?

One of the biggest frustrations is the money already spent. Unfortunately, costs like surveys, mortgage arrangement fees, or searches are unlikely to be refunded. It’s worth checking with your solicitor if any pre-paid charges can be partially recovered.

Some people choose to protect themselves with home buyers’ protection insurance, which can cover a portion of these losses. While you may not recoup everything, knowing your options helps you plan smarter next time.

How to Stay Positive and Keep Moving Forward

It’s easy to feel deflated, but try to reframe the situation.

Perhaps the property wasn’t quite right, or this pause allows you to save more or find a better mortgage rate.

Use the downtime to research other homes on sites like Rightmove and Zoopla, re-assess your finances, and talk to your lender about what’s realistic. Treat the setback as a stepping stone, not a dead end.

How Barnes of Lincoln Can Help When Your Move is Back On

When your move is back on track, you’ll want a removals company that is flexible and understands the ups and downs of the property market. As a BAR-accredited firm with over a century of experience helping families move in Lincoln and across Lincolnshire, we know how to navigate tricky situations with professionalism and care.

Whether you need short-term secure storage while your new sale completes, or flexible moving dates to fit around last-minute changes, we have you covered. Our friendly team prides itself on reliability, ensuring that when the big day finally arrives, your move into your new home runs smoothly and with complete confidence.

Get in touch with our team today for a free, no-obligation quote.