How to stop buyer dropping offer on day or close to exchange ?

[ELBBUBKUNPS]

Thanks for replies, I did read something about both parties putting in a 1.5% deposit prior to exchange so if anyone tries it on they get the other persons 1.5% but it looks a real pain to do and can create lots of other issues.

I am 99% sure whoever offers on mine will do it, just going to tell the estate agent to tell any buyers up front that I would pull out if they tried it on regardless, and also to tell the buyers I'm a bit of nutter and not to be messed with lol

[Eirikur]

In my country of origin the process is different which is better for the seller and less dependent on chains.
If an offer is accepted the contract will be drawn up and signed almost immediately, the buyer has then 3 days time to change his mind. The contract will state an exchange date which can, if necessary be set up to a year in the future.
Usually (if needed) the buyer will only then go to the bank to secure a mortgage.
If the buyer (or seller) pulls out after those three days there is a penalty clause usually 10% of the value of the contract.
If the buyer can't sell his old house immediately its is relatively easy to get a kind of bridging mortgage for the old house, so you're not depending on chains that collapse constantly

[Jubber]

Estate agent seemed surprised.

Anyone with "agent" in their job title should not be believed at all - in fact, they should be held at arm's length, preferably by the throat.

[Martin@AS Financial]

Thanks for replies, I did read something about both parties putting in a 1.5% deposit prior to exchange so if anyone tries it on they get the other persons 1.5% but it looks a real pain to do and can create lots of other issues.

I am 99% sure whoever offers on mine will do it, just going to tell the estate agent to tell any buyers up front that I would pull out if they tried it on regardless, and also to tell the buyers I'm a bit of nutter and not to be messed with lol

Good article here for you:

How to reduce your chances of being gazundered | Fridaysmove | Fridaysmove

The most helpful quote is "Watch out for the warning signs. If a buyer starts delaying – asking for a second survey and postponing exchange – then expect a last-minute gazunder"