82,000 property sales fell through in just one quarter this year and most were completely preventable.
The latest sales report by LRG (our parent company) reveals a private-treaty system still struggling with delays, uncertainty and rising costs for buyers and sellers.
What’s driving the collapse of so many transactions?
- 34% fell through because someone simply changed their mind
- 25% because buyers or sellers weren’t ready to move
- 13% after issues emerged late in the process
- £500–£5,000+ in wasted costs for many movers
Yet the most striking insight in the report is this: The reforms the industry wants (upfront information, binding offers, transparency) already exist… in the auction model.
At First for Auctions, we provide exactly what private treaty is still trying to evolve into:
- Upfront legal packs
- Zero fall-throughs
- Legally binding sales from the outset
- Completion in as little as 28 days
- A competitive, transparent bidding environment
- Serious, ready-to-proceed buyers only
In other words, we already deliver the speed, certainty and clarity the market is demanding for 2026.
If you want to sell with confidence and without the risk of the sale collapsing auction isn’t a last resort. It’s your strongest route to a secure, successful sale in today’s market.
