You find a house you love… but then you see the words “under offer.” Panic? Not yet. Let’s break it down in plain English. “Under offer” in real estate means the seller has accepted an offer from a buyer, but the sale is not finished yet. The deal can still fall through, so the home is not fully sold.
What “Under Offer” Really Means
When a property is listed as under offer, it usually means:
- A buyer has made an offer
- The seller has agreed to that offer
- Paperwork and checks are still in progress
At this stage, the buyer might be arranging financing, inspections, or legal steps. Until everything is signed and completed, the sale is not final.
Is “Under Offer” the Same as “Sold”?
No, and this is important.
- Under offer = deal in progress
- Sold = deal completed
A home marked sold is off the market. A home under offer might still come back if something goes wrong.
Can You Still Make an Offer on a Property That’s Under Offer?
Yes, sometimes you can.
In many markets, agents still accept backup offers. This means:
- If the first buyer pulls out
- Your offer could be next in line
It never hurts to ask the agent if the seller is open to other offers.
Why Properties Fall Out of “Under Offer”
Sales don’t always go as planned. Common reasons include:
- Buyer can’t get a loan
- Inspection finds major problems
- Buyer changes their mind
- Legal or paperwork issues
When this happens, the property usually goes back on the market.
Pros and Cons of Buying a Property Under Offer
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| You might still get the home | No guarantee the deal will fall through |
| Chance to submit a backup offer | Can be emotionally draining |
| Shows real interest in the home | Seller may not consider new offers |
Real-World Example
Imagine Sarah finds a house listed at $300,000. It shows under offer.
She asks the agent and learns the buyer is waiting for loan approval. Sarah submits a backup offer.
Two weeks later, the first buyer’s loan is denied. The seller moves forward with Sarah’s offer.
This happens more often than people think.
FAQs (People Also Ask)
Does under offer mean in real estate the price is final?
No. The agreed price can still change if inspections or repairs come up.
How long does a house stay under offer?
It depends, but usually 2 to 6 weeks, sometimes longer.
Can a seller accept a higher offer when under offer?
In some areas, yes. This is called gazumping (rules vary by country and state).
Should I wait for an under offer home?
If you really love it, yes. Just keep looking at other homes too.
Final Verdict
“Under offer” means the home is close to being sold, but it’s not a done deal yet.
If you’re serious about the property, talk to the agent. You may still have a chance—especially if the first deal falls apart.