South West sees highest rate of failed property sales in England
Home movers in the South West are more likely than anywhere else in England to experience a property transaction falling through, according to new research from the Open Property Data Association (OPDA).
The study, based on feedback from more than 5,000 recent movers, found that 65% of respondents in the region had seen a sale collapse — notably higher than the UK average of 58%. The figures highlight the uncertainty many buyers and sellers continue to face.
On average, failed transactions in the South West result in a loss of around 2.77 months, with many saying the impact goes beyond time alone. Respondents reported emotional stress (42%), delays to plans (42%) and financial loss (36%) as key consequences.
Delays and admin adding to pressure
Alongside the high fall-through rate, frustration with the overall moving process remains widespread.
Those in the South West are the most likely in the UK to report dissatisfaction with chasing updates (31% compared with a 27% national average) and delays in reaching key stages such as exchange of contracts (33% versus 29%).
Issues around document sharing also ranked highly, with 27% citing this as a frustration, pointing to continued reliance on manual processes and a lack of coordination between parties involved.
Downsizing shaping the market
The research also points to regional trends, with South West homeowners more likely to be downsizing than those elsewhere in the UK. Around 26% are moving to smaller properties, compared with a national average of 20%.
This suggests a market influenced by lifestyle changes and later-life decisions, where factors such as simplifying living arrangements and releasing equity are playing a greater role.
A national issue with regional nuances
The findings form part of OPDA’s latest Future of Homebuying report, one of the UK’s largest studies into the home moving experience.
While regional differences are evident, the report highlights consistent challenges across the country. These include delays, poor communication, repeated requests for information and an ongoing reliance on outdated systems.
Nearly four in five respondents (78%) agreed that the home moving process requires significant reform.
Maria Harris, Chair of the Open Property Data Association (OPDA), said the findings reflect a wider need for change across the sector:
“Buying or selling a home remains one of the most significant financial and emotional commitments that most of us will ever make, yet too often the experience does not match expectations.
“While experiences vary by region, the underlying issues are consistent. Many consumers are still dealing with slow communication, duplicated effort and delays that make the process feel more complex than it needs to be.
“There is a clear appetite for improvement. A system that is faster, more transparent and better connected would make a real difference. Better use of property data has a key role to play in achieving that — helping to create a more efficient and less stressful experience for everyone involved.”
The OPDA continues to work with lenders, brokers, conveyancers, estate agents, proptech firms and government bodies to develop the frameworks and standards needed to modernise the homebuying process.
