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What Happens When a Sale Falls Over? How to Recover From a Failed Real Estate Transaction

September 21, 2026

When a property sale collapses after contracts are exchanged or just before settlement, it can be stressful for both sellers and agents. Michael Tomadakis shares a step-by-step approach: confirming the reasons for the collapse (finance, dissatisfaction, legal), recontacting under-bidders, relaunching with transparent communication, updating documentation, and reassessing price and campaign strategy based on genuine feedback. Michael cautions sellers not to rush—first, clarify contract obligations, assess deposit and referral options, and carefully relaunch the campaign if necessary. Real examples from Melbourne’s inner north show that with strong documentation and evidence-driven negotiations, collapsed sales can still lead to positive outcomes.

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