In the United Kingdom, only 50% of properties offered by estate agents reach the contract completion stage. This is according to market data for calendar week 27 of 2026. These figures point to persistent overvaluation problems significantly impacting the transaction process.
The analysis reveals a significant discrepancy of 14.4% between average listing prices and the prices of properties for which a purchase offer is made. This difference highlights the challenge of aligning sellers' realistic price expectations with buyers' actual willingness to pay.
Reasons for Non-Completion
The reasons for the high cancellation rate are diverse. One of the main causes is the aforementioned overvaluation of properties by sellers. This can deter interested parties or lead banks to assess lower loan-to-value ratios during financing due to appraisals. Adapting price expectations to market conditions is therefore becoming increasingly important.
In addition to price aspects, other factors also play a role. A lack of transparency in property information, unexpected issues during property surveys, or difficulties in securing financing can also contribute to failed transactions. The complexity of the buying process requires careful preparation and realistic expectations from all parties involved.
Market Impact
The high rate of uncompleted transactions has far-reaching consequences for the entire UK property market. It can lead to longer marketing periods, impair market liquidity, and dampen buyer and seller confidence. Estate agents are urged to provide more extensive advice to their clients and assist with pricing to create realistic expectations.
Experts point out that current data is a clear sign of a strained market where supply and demand do not always align. Stabilisation could occur if sellers are willing to adjust their price expectations and if the market shows greater transparency regarding actual selling prices.
