What Does 'Under Offer' Mean When Buying a House?

Quick answer

"Under offer" means the seller has accepted an offer, but the sale isn't legally binding. The property may still be available if that sale falls through, and in England and Wales you can still put in an offer of your own.

Under offer vs Sold STC vs Sale agreed

Agents aren't fully consistent with these labels, so always ask what stage the sale has reached. For more detail on the later stage, read what Sold STC means.

What you can do if you like an under-offer property

• Register your interest with the agent and ask to be told if anything changes.
• Ask about the current buyer's position — chain, mortgage and survey status.
• Ask whether viewings are still being booked.
• Make a written offer if you're serious. The agent should pass it on.

Be respectful: making an offer is legitimate, but sellers often value loyalty to a buyer who has already spent money on legal work and surveys.

Why the status matters for your offer

A home that went under offer quickly, came back on the market, and is now relisted may tell you something — perhaps a survey issue, or a price that didn't hold up with a lender. It's worth checking the listing history and comparable sales before deciding what to offer.

An Offer Smart report shows comparable sold prices, £/sq ft and market signals in one place, so you can judge whether the asking price is realistic before you commit.