Let’s be clear:

You’re not early in the deal.
You’re not mid-way through.

You are right on the edge of exchange — the point where everything becomes legally binding.

And now the price changes?

That’s not negotiation.

That’s disruption.

Watch This First (Then Read Below)

@john.savage Reply to @jonwallace12 I’d tell him to fuck off… #howtosellyourhousefast #howtosellyourhome #zerobsestateagency #estateagents ♬ original sound - John Savage

The Reality of This Situation

At this stage:

• Legal work is done
• Survey is done
• Everyone is aligned
• Exchange is imminent

Then suddenly:

“We want another £15,000.”

Savage Truth:
If the price changes at exchange, the deal was never solid to begin with.

Buyer Perspective — What’s Really Going On

You’re thinking:

• “We’re so close…”
• “Do we just pay it?”
• “What if we lose the house?”

That’s exactly what the seller is relying on.

They believe:

You’re too committed to walk away now.

What You Do (Properly)

1. Hold the Line

“We agreed a price. That hasn’t changed.”

No emotion. Just clarity.

2. Ask the Key Question

“What’s changed since we agreed the price?”

Because unless something has materially changed…

There’s no justification.

3. Be Prepared to Walk

At exchange, this is everything.

If you’re not willing to walk…
you’ve already lost control.

Seller Perspective — Flip It

If the buyer turned around right now and said:

“We want £15,000 off.”

You’d shut it down instantly.

No discussion. No sympathy.

So from the buyer’s side — it’s no different.

If You’re a Seller Thinking About Doing This

You’re risking:

• A fully progressed deal
• Your onward purchase
• Weeks (or months) of work

For a last-minute push that might backfire.

Because the next buyer:

• May not come
• May offer less
• May do exactly the same thing

What Savage Actually Says (Controlled, Not Emotional)

If I’m representing the buyer:

“We agreed a deal. If that changes, we walk.”

If I’m representing the seller:

“We’re not doing this. We’re too far in.”

Because at exchange…

You don’t renegotiate.

You complete.

What People Actually Say (Real-World Sentiment)

This isn’t theory — this is how people react in the real world:

• “We refused — they backed down.”
• “Walk away. It’s not worth it.”
• “Happened to us — total red flag.”
• “If they do this now, expect more problems.”
• “Agent probably stirring it.”
• “We paid more and regretted it.”
• “Stand firm. You’re in a strong position.”
• “They’re testing you.”
• “We lost the house… and found a better one.”
• “Don’t reward bad behaviour.”

Same pattern. Every time.

Why This Happens

Usually:

1. Seller thinks they’ve undervalued
2. Outside influence (agent/family)
3. Last-minute pressure play

But timing matters.

At exchange — it’s reckless.

Mid-Deal Check

If nothing has changed…

Why has the price?

Final Position

At this stage, the deal should be:

• Locked in
• Clean
• Moving to exchange

Not shifting.

Stay consistent.

Because once you allow movement here…
you open the door to anything.

Need Help Navigating This Without Losing the Deal?

👉 Book a 1:1 Strategy Call (£50)

I’ll tell you:

• Whether to hold or move
• Exactly what to say
• How to protect your position

No fluff. Just clarity.

Next Step Reading

• 👉 Downvalued by £80,000? What to Do Next
• 👉 The Biggest Mistakes Buyers Make Before Exchange
• 👉 How to Make an Offer That Actually Gets Accepted

About John Savage

Straight-talking property advice for buyers and sellers who want control — not confusion.

No fluff.
No games.
Just strategy that works.