What Does Under Offer Mean on a House?

"Under offer" means a seller is considering a buyer's offer, but no contracts are exchanged yet. Knowing what this means can help you navigate property negotiations more confidently and avoid missed opportunities.

Key Takeaways

Understand the Meaning: "Under offer" means a buyer has made an offer on a property, but the sale isn’t legally binding yet.
Know Your Options: Buyers can still make offers on under-offer properties, and sellers can consider backups.
Regional Differences Matter: In Scotland, "under offer" has a legally binding implication, unlike in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland. Keep reading to learn how "under offer" impacts your buying or selling journey.

MENU CLOSED
OPEN MENU

What Does Under Offer Mean?

“Under offer” means a buyer has made an offer on a property, but the sale isn’t legally binding yet. Estate agents often use this term to indicate interest and create urgency, while the property remains visible on platforms like Rightmove to attract backup offers. The seller will still be considering the offer and has not yet made a final decision.

"Don't be like this guy.."

What’s the Difference Between Under Offer and Sold STC?

We often get asked, "Is under offer the same as sold stc?"

While "under offer" and "sold subject to contract" (SSTC) are often used interchangeably, they mark different stages of the property journey.

"Under offer" means that a buyer has made an offer which the seller is considering or has tentatively accepted. In contrast, "sold STC" means the seller has formally accepted an offer, and both parties are moving forward with the legal process—though the sale still isn’t legally binding.

These differences matter because, in both cases, the property remains at risk of the deal falling through until contracts are exchanged. For buyers, knowing the difference can help manage expectations, while sellers can better gauge the level of commitment in their transaction.

What Happens After a Property Goes Under Offer?

After a property goes under offer, buyers must secure a mortgage in principle, arrange a survey, and hire a solicitor for legal checks. Sellers should prepare property documents and assist with any buyer queries.

Due diligence is key—surveys may uncover issues, and legal checks ensure no disputes or complications. However, until contracts are exchanged, the sale can still fall through due to financing problems or chain delays. Staying organised and communicative helps keep the process on track.

We recently helped a seller whose property was stuck under offer due to a buyer’s mortgage delays. Frustrated with the wait, they turned to us, and we completed the sale with a cash offer in just 10 days. Situations like this are why sellers trust us for fast, hassle-free solutions.

Read the full review here.

Can You Make an Offer on a House That’s Under Offer?

Yes, you can make an offer on a house that’s under offer.

Until contracts are exchanged, the sale isn’t legally binding, meaning the seller is free to consider new offers. This practice, known as gazumping, occurs when a higher offer replaces an existing one. While legal in the UK, gazumping can disrupt the buying process and leave the original buyer disappointed.

A 2024 study by Market Financial Solutions found that 37% of UK homebuyers experienced gazumping, a 6% increase over two years, indicating the competitive nature of the market.

For buyers, navigating a property listed as "under offer" requires strategic timing. Ensure your finances are in order and communicate your offer clearly through the estate agent. While your offer might be considered, keep in mind that estate agents and sellers often prioritise progressing deals over starting fresh negotiations.

Here's some first-hand advice from our property expert Paul:

"From my years as a property specialist, the term 'under offer' often creates confusion among first-time buyers.

What they need to understand is that until contracts are exchanged, nothing is legally binding. I've seen countless buyers miss out on their dream home because they assumed 'under offer' meant 'sold' and moved on."

Can I View a Home That Is Under Offer?

Yes, it’s often possible to view a home that is under offer, but this depends on the seller and estate agent. Some sellers may pause viewings to focus on progressing the current offer, while others may allow additional viewings as a backup in case the initial sale falls through.

If you’re interested, it’s best to contact the estate agent to check the property’s current status and whether viewings are allowed. Even if viewings aren’t possible at the moment, registering your interest ensures you’ll be contacted first if the original sale falls through.

How Long Does a Property Stay Under Offer?

A property typically remains "under offer" for 6 to 12 weeks, though this timeframe can vary depending on the seller's decision-making process and other factors.

Under Offer Timeline Comparison

Region	Average Time Under Offer	Common Causes of Delay
England & Wales	6–12 weeks	Mortgage delays, survey issues, chain complications
Scotland	4–8 weeks	Legal checks, mortgage approval
Northern Ireland	6–10 weeks	Title searches, survey results

Buyer and seller readiness is a major factor—those with finances and paperwork prepared can progress more quickly. The complexity of the property chain also influences delays, especially when multiple transactions are interconnected.

Why Would a House Be Under Offer for So Long?

Houses may stay under offer longer due to issues like survey results uncovering problems, delays in conveyancing, or challenges in securing a mortgage. Unexpected complications in the chain, such as another buyer or seller withdrawing, can also extend the process. Staying proactive and resolving issues quickly can help avoid prolonged delays.

Why Choose Housebuyers4u for Under-Offer Properties?

Navigating the property market when a house is "under offer" can be tricky, especially if delays or uncertainties arise. At Housebuyers4u, we offer a streamlined solution for sellers and buyers who want to avoid these hurdles and progress their sale with confidence.

Here’s why we’re trusted across the UK property market:

Fast, Reliable Solutions: If you’re stuck with a property under offer for too long, we can step in. With our proven process, we complete sales in as little as 7-14 days, helping you move forward without delay. Find out more about how we can help here.
Guaranteed Offers: Unlike traditional buyers who may pull out, we provide instant cash offers with no hidden conditions. Over 95% of our purchases are completed exactly as promised, giving you peace of mind.
Avoid the Risk of Sales Falling Through: In 2023, over 35% of UK property sales fell through—many while under offer. We eliminate uncertainty by operating chain-free, ensuring your sale progresses smoothly.

We’ve successfully purchased over 1,000 properties across the UK, helping homeowners stuck in limbo due to "under offer" complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

1What Does Under Offer Mean in Scotland?

In Scotland, “under offer” carries a different meaning compared to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. When a property is under offer, it means the seller has accepted an offer in writing, starting the legal process known as concluding “missives.” Unlike in other parts of the UK, this process is legally binding once agreed upon, significantly reducing the risk of a sale falling through.

2What does under offer mean on Rightmove or other platforms?

On Rightmove, "under offer" means the property is still being marketed while a buyer’s offer is under consideration.

3What does under offer mean for a rental property?

It indicates a prospective tenant has placed an offer or holding deposit, but the rental agreement hasn’t been signed.

4What does it mean if a property goes back on the market after being under offer?

A property may return to the market if the buyer withdraws, financing falls through, or there are delays in the property chain.

5How can I check the status of a property listed as under offer?

Contact the estate agent directly to understand whether the seller is open to new offers or if the sale is progressing.

Skip the 'Under Offer' Stage & Sell Directly to Us

Get Your Free Cash Offer

Comments are closed.