Despite rising fall‑through rates, you can significantly improve your chances of a smooth, successful transaction by following these proactive steps.
Get upfront information ready early
Upfront information is becoming a core expectation in 2026, with government pressure and industry reforms pushing sellers to prepare documents before listing.
Sellers should:
- Prepare the TA6 and other property information forms as early as possible.
- Gather planning documents, warranties, guarantees, and certificates.
- Instruct a conveyancer before the property goes on the market.
Buyers benefit because:
- More complete information early on reduces the risk of nasty surprises.
- Faster progress means less time for the chain to collapse.
Use a Conveyancer who embraces digital tools
Technology is now a key predictor of transaction success. Reports show the shift toward AI‑powered reviews, digital ID verification, and automated workflows is speeding up transactions and reducing errors.
Choosing a modern, tech‑enabled conveyancer means:
- Faster identity checks
- Better progress updates
- Fewer administrative delays
- More reliable document handling
Strengthen your mortgage position early
Delays obtaining a mortgage offer are one of the most common fall‑through triggers.
Buyers can protect themselves by:
- Securing a Decision in Principle before viewing properties
- Responding quickly to lender requests
- Avoiding major financial changes mid‑process
- Using a broker to speed up document handling
Act quickly to resolve enquiries
Both buyers and sellers should avoid becoming the bottleneck.
Buyers:
- Respond promptly to conveyancer requests
- Read reports and documents immediately
- Arrange your survey early
Sellers:
- Provide missing documents ASAP
- Resolve title issues (boundaries, leasehold queries) quickly
- Be upfront about defects to avoid renegotiations later
With conveyancers reporting heavy workloads and 41% of time spent chasing updates, your speed matters.
Consider insurance products to reduce financial risk
With up to one-third of transactions failing, many buyers are turning to homebuyer protection insurance. While not a guarantee, cover can help reduce financial losses if the purchase collapses for a valid reason.
Some searches or indemnity policies may also speed up parts of the process when used appropriately.
Maintain Clear, Consistent Communication
Poor communication is a major cause of fall‑throughs, cited by 27% of conveyancers as a persistent frustration.
To reduce the risk:
- Keep in regular contact with your solicitor and agent
- Ask for clear next steps
- Ensure your conveyancer has all contact details for the chain
- Respond to queries within 24-48 hours where possible
Choose a strong, stable buyer or seller
Assess chain strength as early as possible.
Stronger buyers include:
- First‑time buyers
- Cash buyers
- Chain‑free movers
Stable sellers include:
- Those who have already found a property
- Those prepared to move to temporary accommodation if needed
This reduces dependency on chains - the biggest fall‑through danger zone.
How Ocean helps safeguard your transaction
At Ocean, we’ve aligned our approach with the latest market conditions and regulatory trends to minimise fall‑through risks.
Here’s how we protect your transaction:
- Early onboarding with secure digital ID verification and client portals
- Upfront information preparation to reduce delays
- Rapid enquiry handling supported by efficient digital workflows
- Clear communication across buyers, sellers, agents, and lenders
- Experienced conveyancers skilled in managing complex chains
Our goal is simple: keep your transaction moving and keep your stress to a minimum.
