Common £2,000 headache for dwelling consumers from collapsing property chains

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Your assist makes all of the distinction. Learn extra Collapsing property chains are including round £2,000 to dwelling consumers’ prices on common, in response to a financial institution.

A survey for Barclays discovered a couple of third (32%) of people that purchased or bought a house within the final three years have been a part of a property chain, with almost half (46%) of this group experiencing delays or transaction breakdowns due to chain-related points.

Those that skilled issues or a breakdown of their housing chain mentioned they spent a further £2,127 on common, with further outgoings together with “wasted” surveys or further time wanted from solicitors.

Amongst individuals whose property buy or sale had fallen by means of up to now three years, some mentioned that they had been “gazumped” – the place the vendor accepts the next supply from a brand new purchaser on the final minute.

Others had been “gazundered” – the place the client lowers their supply on the final minute, inflicting the sale to interrupt down.

Some admitted to attempting one in all these techniques themselves, ensuing within the transaction collapsing.

Barclays’ mortgage information signifies the common UK deposit final month was £59,057, and barely greater amongst first-time consumers at £62,272.

Jatin Patel, head of mortgages, financial savings and insurance coverage at Barclays, mentioned: “Movers usually face battles on two fronts because the abundance of lengthy property chains provides acute stress into the method.”

Julien Lafargue, chief market strategist at Barclays, mentioned: “Along with frictions within the course of, the UK housing market has additionally to take care of a blended macroeconomic image. Development slowed within the second half of 2025 and the UK labour market continues to be softening.

“That mentioned, the patron stays broadly resilient, suggesting that progress might rebound in 2026.”

Barclays used its personal mortgage information and a survey of two,000 individuals throughout the UK in January and February carried out by Opinium Analysis.

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David Fell, lead analyst at Hamptons, mentioned: “Lengthening transaction occasions are creating specific frustration for consumers.

“They're usually receiving details about the property a lot later within the course of than they'd have a number of years in the past, by which level extra money and time have already been invested.