Sold STC (Subject to Contract): What Does it Mean?
Sold STC (Subject to Contract) means a seller has accepted an offer, but the sale isn’t legally binding until contracts are exchanged. It signals the deal is progressing, but there’s still a risk of it falling through before completion.
3 Key Takeaways:
- Sold STC is one step ahead of Under Offer in the buying process.
- Neither status is legally binding — sales can still fall through.
- Understanding these terms helps you move smarter when buying or selling property.
What Does Sold STC Mean?
Sold STC (Sold Subject to Contract) means the seller has accepted an offer, and the sale is progressing through steps like surveys, conveyancing, and legal checks, but it's not legally binding until contracts are exchanged. This stage, sometimes called 'Sale Agreed', usually takes around 6 to 12 weeks, depending on how quickly both parties and their solicitors move.
What Does Under Offer Mean?
Under Offer means a buyer has made an offer on a property, but it may not yet be accepted by the seller. Estate agents sometimes use this status early, even before formal acceptance, to show interest and attract higher offers. It’s an earlier stage than Sold STC, with fewer legal steps underway and no formal progress toward completion.
What’s the Difference Between Sold STC and Under Offer
The difference between Under Offer and Sold STC can be confusing, as both mean a buyer is interested, but they signal slightly different stages of the sale. Understanding this can help you move faster and make better decisions, whether you’re buying or selling.
| Aspect | Under Offer | Sold STC (Subject to Contract) |
|---|---|---|
| Offer Status | Offer made, but not always accepted yet | Offer accepted by seller, moving towards legal checks |
| Legal Standing | Not legally binding | Not legally binding |
| Buyer and Seller Flexibility | High – seller may still be considering offers | Moderate – offer accepted, but other offers can still be made |
| Estate Agent Practices | Used early to show interest and encourage competition | Used to show progress towards sale, property may still be visible online |
Even though the difference is slight, it matters — Sold STC means the sale is further along, with legal steps underway, while Under Offer is earlier and less committed. Knowing this can help you act at the right time, whether you’re making an offer or considering alternatives.
Expert advice from our property expert Paul Gibbens:
The difference between Under Offer and Sold STC often catches buyers off guard.
While both suggest progress, Sold STC typically means the seller is more committed, with solicitors involved and legal checks underway. However, it’s crucial to remember that until contracts are exchanged, either party can still walk away — so speed and communication remain your best tools to secure the deal."
What Happens After a Property is Sold STC?
Once a property is marked as Sold STC, the sale moves into the legal and financial process, but it’s still not guaranteed to complete. Here’s how the next steps typically unfold:
-
Searches and Surveys
The buyer arranges surveys to check the condition of the property, while the solicitor begins local authority searches to uncover any potential issues. -
Mortgage Application and Approval
If the buyer needs a mortgage, they finalise their application. Lenders will review the property valuation and buyer’s financial status before issuing a mortgage offer. -
Draft Contracts Prepared
Solicitors for both sides prepare draft contracts, review search results, and raise or respond to enquiries about the property. -
Exchange of Contracts
Once all checks are complete and finances are in place, contracts are exchanged. At this point, the sale becomes legally binding. -
Completion Day
Finally, funds are transferred, keys are handed over, and ownership changes officially.
Typical timeframe:
The process from Sold STC to completion usually takes 6 to 12 weeks, but delays can happen. Common hold-ups include slow searches, mortgage approval delays, and issues within the property chain. In fact, according to TwentyCi’s Property and Homemover Report, around 1 in 4 agreed property sales in the UK collapsed before completion in 2023, with chain issues, finance problems, and survey concerns being the most common causes. Staying proactive and keeping communication clear between solicitors, agents, and lenders helps keep things moving.
Can You Still Make an Offer on a Sold STC or Under Offer Property?
Yes — you can still make an offer on a property marked as Sold STC or Under Offer, as neither status is legally binding until contracts are exchanged. This is known as gazumping, where a higher offer overtakes an existing one, and estate agents are legally required to pass all offers to the seller. Whether the seller accepts depends on their priorities, but acting quickly and having finances ready can improve your chances in a competitive market.
Why Sellers List Properties as Sold STC
Marking a property as Sold STC isn’t just a formality — it serves several useful purposes for sellers and agents alike. Here’s why sellers choose to use this status:
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Reassure the current buyer
Once a property is marked Sold STC, it gives the buyer confidence that their offer is accepted and the sale is moving forward. It helps reduce the buyer's anxiety and keeps them engaged through the legal process. -
Discourage further enquiries
By labelling a property Sold STC, sellers can reduce the number of fresh enquiries from other potential buyers. While offers can still come in, this status signals that the seller is already working with a committed buyer. -
Show progress to agents and other parties
Sold STC makes it clear to solicitors, mortgage brokers, and others involved that the transaction is underway. It keeps everyone aligned and focused on moving the sale towards completion. -
Estate agent marketing advantage
For estate agents, displaying Sold STC is a way to demonstrate their success in securing offers. It promotes their effectiveness to potential clients and adds credibility to their marketing.
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