Selling stress - is this what it is meant to be like?

Ornais

Hi.

Wondering if anyone could share their experiences I would appreciate it. 

First time selling here. The stress has been immense and we are struggling as a family. I know buying/selling is very stressful but I suppose I just want to know if this is a normal level of stress. 

We have been trying to sell out flat for nearly a year. Family of 4 in a one bedroom flat.  No outdoor space whatsoever. So can appreciate its totally unsuitable. We are ready to move and just keep getting bad luck with regards to buyers. We have recently lost our second buyer 1.5 months into the process. No reason given. It had happened earlier in the year too but three months into the process that time and 1000 down the pan in costs. That buyer never gave a reason either. How is this fair - the system is flawed for a buyer to just say ''Oh I dont fancy it anymore - lets waste everyones time and money and not to even give a curtisey reason and get away with it!!!!''

It looks like we are going to loose our dream home that we have had an offer on too.  This week has been such an emotional rollercoaster. Is this normal or have we had bad luck? From stressing about getting the flat in top viewing condition every time, to our quality of life living in a cramped small space. I feel like giving up, I really do. 

Is this how its meant to be? 

Thank you in advance. 

[Deleted User]

Yes, that's how it's supposed to be. 

Even more so in the current circumstances.

comeandgo

It is normal, it's got something to do with the awful system that England has and the only way it will change is if people complain to MPs and get things changed but nobody does.  It's not only buyers who can walk away, you as a seller can withdraw your property from the market right up until exchange.

Benzine

I'm on my 4th sale now. The first 3 went very smoothly and this last one's been a nightmare. I've been pretty lucky overall. It's not unusual for it to be stressful I'm afraid. You just have to try and keep some perspective and focus on your long term goals. You'll get there in the end. 

fishfingerbutties

Sadly completely normal. I was selling my place last year and first buyer pulled out as they decided to buy somewhere else. Second buyer just changed their mind. Had a place to buy first time, and second time I was going to move out to rental so it wasn't even an issue with chain. 

Flats at the moment are even more hard sell with cladding issues, onerous leasehold chargers and now everyone wants somewhere with a garden when working at home. It's not going to get any better soon, sadly. 

I agree the system is rubbish, although I guess from the flipside if you were a buyer and unsure you'd probably be happier that you can walk away easily. Not that it helps you as a seller at the moment!

Comms69

Ornais said:

Hi.

Wondering if anyone could share their experiences I would appreciate it. 

First time selling here. The stress has been immense and we are struggling as a family. I know buying/selling is very stressful but I suppose I just want to know if this is a normal level of stress. 

We have been trying to sell out flat for nearly a year. Family of 4 in a one bedroom flat.  No outdoor space whatsoever. So can appreciate its totally unsuitable. We are ready to move and just keep getting bad luck with regards to buyers. We have recently lost our second buyer 1.5 months into the process. No reason given. It had happened earlier in the year too but three months into the process that time and 1000 down the pan in costs. That buyer never gave a reason either. How is this fair - the system is flawed for a buyer to just say ''Oh I dont fancy it anymore - lets waste everyones time and money and not to even give a curtisey reason and get away with it!!!!'' - You literally have the same option

It looks like we are going to loose our dream home that we have had an offer on too.  This week has been such an emotional rollercoaster. Is this normal or have we had bad luck? From stressing about getting the flat in top viewing condition every time, to our quality of life living in a cramped small space. I feel like giving up, I really do. 

Is this how its meant to be? 

Thank you in advance. 

Lower the price and you'll sell quickly. 

Comms69

comeandgo said:

It is normal, it's got something to do with the awful system that England has and the only way it will change is if people complain to MPs and get things changed but nobody does.  It's not only buyers who can walk away, you as a seller can withdraw your property from the market right up until exchange.

System is much better than elsewhere

moneysavinghero

You are trying to move from a flat to a house at the same time when everyone else wants to move from a flat to a house. 

If you expect that is something that is going to happen easily then yes you are going to be stressed by the reality. Just accept that it will be very difficult and then the stress will be less. You could reduce to stress by just concentrating on the selling part. Move into rented inbetween selling and buying then you wont lose any money everytime someone pulls out.

knightstyle

Sorry but that is how it is, both the buyer and the seller can just pull out at any time till the contracts have been exchanged, note the words 'been exchanged' as just signing the documents is not the same.
Two years down the line and four people have withdrawn so far!  More viewings in the next few days, hope they are genuine!
IMO cash buyers and investors are the worst, we almost now won't let them view!  But we need to sell!

ameliarate

Comms69 said:

comeandgo said:

It is normal, it's got something to do with the awful system that England has and the only way it will change is if people complain to MPs and get things changed but nobody does.  It's not only buyers who can walk away, you as a seller can withdraw your property from the market right up until exchange.

System is much better than elsewhere

Is it? Such as? 

maisie_cat

It is the norm, and buyers are more picky now than they used to be. I have sold  11 properties, only 1 flat though and they were much easier 30 years ago than now.
Personally I think buyers are less practical than they used to be and simple things make them scared. A roof tile with a corner missing does not mean the entire roof needs replacing!
Last year we lost 2 buyers, neither could actually afford the house, but the estate agents didn't do a very good verification job. We were convinced at one point that the "buyers" were in collusion with the people who finally bought the house at 13% under asking. By that point we'd had enough and sold it just to move, we are experienced sellers and we found the last move incredibly stressful.
You are also in a flat and that is worse, leasehold is more complex and lenders are more jittery now anyway.
I'm not convinced that any change to the system will be "fairer", I thought the homebuyers report prepared by the seller was a good idea, you have to get all the ducks in a row before you start anyway