12 Most Common Reasons Buyers Decide Not to Offer on a Property!

- Wed 01 Jul 2026

New research from Leaders Romans Group (LRG) has revealed the 12 most common reasons prospective buyers decide not to make an offer on a property, with overpricing topping the list by a significant margin.

According to the study, 56% of buyers are deterred by properties they perceive to be overpriced, while 42% are put off by homes requiring substantial work. Damp or structural concerns and a lack of outdoor space were jointly cited by 35% of respondents, followed by a lack of off-street parking (33%) and concerns about the local area (28%). Other factors included long or complicated chains (15%), lease concerns (13%), awkward layouts (9%), poor energy efficiency (7%) and insufficient natural light (5%).¹

The findings closely reflect the feedback received by Bradleys from buyers across the South West, where pricing, property condition and practical lifestyle considerations continue to have a major influence on purchasing decisions.

Darren Ellis, Sales Director at Bradleys, said:

"The findings from LRG strongly resonate with what we're hearing from buyers across the South West. While Bradleys operates in a different regional market to LRG, which has a significant presence across the South and South East, the key reasons buyers choose not to proceed are remarkably similar.

"Accurate pricing remains critical in attracting serious interest, while buyers are increasingly focused on the cost and complexity of improvement works. Practical considerations such as parking, outdoor space and energy efficiency are also becoming increasingly influential in the decision-making process."

Ellis added that accessibility is a particularly important factor for many buyers in the South West.

"One area where we often see additional feedback is around level access. Whether it's downsizers, retirees or buyers thinking longer-term about future mobility needs, a lack of level access regularly features among the most common reasons for not progressing with a purchase. In many parts of the South West, where properties can be older, steeper or more character-led, accessibility is becoming a much bigger consideration than it was even a few years ago."

The findings reinforce the importance of realistic pricing, transparent marketing and understanding the priorities of today's buyers. For sellers, addressing potential concerns before bringing a property to market can help maximise interest and improve the likelihood of receiving an offer.

If you are considering selling or letting a property, then contact your local Bradleys office today to discuss saleability and realistic values to meet your required timescales.

Source:
¹ Leaders Romans Group (LRG) research reported by Estate Agent Today, June 2026.

12 Most Common Reasons Buyers Decide Not to Offer on a Property!

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