If the buyer pulls out of the sale before contracts are exchanged, it's definitely disappointing, but it's also part of the process that can happen. Up until the point where contracts are exchanged, neither party is legally obligated to go through with the sale or purchase. That means you'll have to put your property back on the market, and you might experience additional marketing costs. Any fees you've paid for surveys, legal work or other preparations will generally be lost.
After the exchange of contracts, however, it's a different story. If the buyer pulls out after this point, they're likely to lose their deposit and could face legal action from you for any losses you suffer as a result. This doesn't happen often, because the contract aims to commit both parties to the sale.
If you find yourself in this situation, we'll be right there to guide you through your options and next steps. You're not alone, and we'll do our best to make a stressful situation as straightforward as possible for you.