How to Protect Your Property Purchase

Move iQ with Phil Spencer (UK)
Move iQ with Phil Spencer (UK)Apr 15, 2026

Why It Matters

By minimizing delays and fostering transparent communication, buyers and sellers can avoid financial loss and ensure smoother completions in a volatile property market.

Key Takeaways

  • Speed and momentum reduce risk of deal collapse.
  • Gazumping occurs when sellers accept higher offers before contract exchange.
  • Gazandering: buyers lower offers late, pressuring sellers financially.
  • Strong communication via solicitors and agents mitigates chain disruptions.
  • Survey findings should trigger renegotiation, not blind acceptance.

Summary

The video from Napton Solicitors explains how to protect property purchases, focusing on common pitfalls like gazumping, gazandering, and chain breakdowns.

They note that about one‑third of deals fall between price agreement and exchange, largely due to prolonged timelines, survey surprises, lender conditions, and personal circumstances. Speed, momentum, and clear communication are emphasized as defenses.

Illustrative quotes: “Gazumping typically is where you agree to buy… and the seller decides to sell to somebody else because they receive a better offer.” and “Gazandering… the buyer reduces their offer just before exchange, pressuring the seller.” They also share a chain rescue story where a top‑buyer stepped in to keep a £4 million chain alive.

The advice underscores that buyers should maintain rapid, coordinated progress, rely on solicitors and estate agents for updates, avoid direct seller contact, and use survey results to renegotiate price or repairs. Implementing these steps can safeguard transactions against costly delays or collapse.

Original Description

Buying or selling a home can already feel stressful, but a few common problems during the conveyancing process can quickly throw a move off track. Today Phil and Sarah from Napthens Solicitors are discussing how to protect your property purchase, exploring some of the most common pitfalls that buyers and sellers encounter, from gazumping and delays to collapsed property chains.
Understanding these risks can help you stay one step ahead and avoid unnecessary setbacks during your property journey.
Whether you’re buying, selling, or part of a property chain, this episode will help you navigate the challenges that can arise during conveyancing. For more on the legal process of a property sale, head over to our channel for episodes that deep dive into every stage.
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👉 VIDEO TIMESTAMPS ⏳
00:00 Introduction
00:26 Why property deals fall through
01:34 The importance of momentum and speed
02:37 Gazumping explained
03:39 Gazundering and how it affects sellers
04:19 Protecting yourself from gazumping and gazundering
05:42 Managing property chain issues
07:26 Common holdups and delays in transactions
07:53 How to handle survey results
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