What to do if your property sale falls through

Selling your home often feels like it should be a simple process. You prepare the property, welcome potential buyers, negotiate a deal, then move through to settlement and onto your next home. But every so often, things don’t quite go to plan.

Sometimes a buyer might make an offer, go through inspections and contract stages, only to pull out before the deal is finalised. It’s frustrating, but unfortunately not uncommon.

Here are a few common reasons a property sale can fall through:

• building or pest inspection issues
  
• the buyer’s finance is declined
  
• a low bank valuation compared to the sale price
  
• the buyer simply changes their mind
  

While you can’t control everything, there are a few smart steps you can take to help reduce the risk of a sale falling over.

Make sure your home is in great condition

Before your property hits the market, your agent may suggest repairs or maintenance that could boost your chances of a smooth sale. It’s also a good idea to organise your own pest and building inspections. This gives you a heads-up on any potential red flags and allows you to be upfront with buyers about the condition of the home.

Work with an experienced communicator

Your real estate agent plays a huge role in keeping things on track. A great agent will know how to spot early signs that a buyer might not follow through, whether it’s finance delays or lack of commitment.

They’ll keep you updated throughout the campaign and act quickly if anything starts to go sideways. The right agent will also have a list of ready-to-go buyers in case a quick pivot is needed to get the sale back on track.

Ask for a solid deposit

At auction, buyers are required to pay a 10% deposit on the day if the hammer falls. For private treaty sales, that deposit is paid once the offer is accepted. Either way, securing a decent deposit early can show the buyer is serious and give you more confidence in the deal going ahead.

Chat to a trusted local agent

If you’re unsure what happens next if your sale falls through or want help avoiding that situation altogether, speak with a local real estate expert. A knowledgeable agent can guide you through your options and put a plan in place to get you sold.