Why are fall throughs on the rise in 2025
Month-by-month, fall-throughs in Q1 2025 have risen in comparison with the same period in
2024, with a 25% increase for January, a 13% increase for February and a 18% increase for
March. This marks a total 19% increase for the quarter in comparison with last year’s figures.
CURRENT FALL THROUGH RATES FOR 2025 ARE AT 32% NATIONALLY & AT 36% IN HARLOW!
Data supplied by Spectre (https://info.spectre.uk.com/)
Fall-throughs also spiked at the start of the year, with a notable rise of 56% between
December 2024 and January 2025. This could have been due to the sudden Stamp Duty
increase from 3 to 5% for additional homes in late 2024, signalling that some movers might be
struggling to absorb the extra cost of moving, and leading to a boost in fall throughs.
In addition, the lowering of the Stamp Duty threshold to £300,000 for first-time buyers may
have had a similar effect on fall throughs this quarter, with many backing out of purchases due
to affordability concerns.
Experts predict that this is likely to change as the year progresses, with the Bank of England
further reducing the Base Rate in February to 4.5%, and further reductions likely. This should
mean greater affordability for buyers, and therefore allow more sales to complete.
What has happened in Harlow?
Harlow saw 325 fall throughs in 2024. In Q1 2024 there were 78 fall throughs. In Q1 2025 there were 96 fall throughs. This is a rise of 23 % increase.
Sales and Marketing Director of Jukes Estate Agents Geoff Flewers says: “Harlow has for the last 3 years been slightly worse off for fall throughs when based against the national average. Therefore, this increase of 23% in Q1 2025 against Q1 2024 is no surprise. Here at Jukes our fall through rates are extremely low because of the way we sell”.
“Harlow fall through rates for the period Jan-Mar 2025 are at 36% which is simply ridiculous. Yes, some of these fall throughs are down to buyers unable to obtain a mortgage. However, buyers sometimes need to be guided to a good broker who has access to the entire market and is able to get them an affordable mortgage. This alongside the way we sell here at Jukes means our fall through rates are still around 2%!”