How to Spot a Time-Wasting Buyer (And Protect Your Chain)

By N Khan • 25 May 2026 • Viewings

The "Window Shopper" Epidemic

Selling a house is stressful enough without having to clean and tidy your home for people who have no intention—or ability—to buy it. When you manage your own viewings, you can act as your own gatekeeper.

Expert Insight: The Pre-Viewing Qualification

Before confirming a viewing, always ask: "Are you currently on the market, or are you a first-time buyer?" If they have a house to sell but haven't listed it yet, they are months away from being proceedable.

## 3 Red Flags of a Time-Waster 1. They Cannot Prove Funds When someone makes an offer, ask to see their Mortgage in Principle (MIP) or bank statements (if they claim to be a cash buyer). A serious buyer will have these ready immediately. 2. They "Just Wanted to Look at the Layout" Nosy neighbours or people planning an extension on a similar house will often book viewings just to get ideas. If they spend 5 minutes taking photos of your kitchen extension and don't look at the bedrooms, they aren't buying. 3. They Keep Delaying the Survey If you've accepted an offer, the buyer should instruct their solicitor and book a survey within two weeks. If a month passes with excuses, put the house back on the market.

2 Weeks

The Danger Zone

If a buyer has not formally instructed their conveyancing solicitor within two weeks of you accepting their offer, the chance of the sale falling through increases by 60%.

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