“Under offer” (sometimes written UO) appears on a property listing when a seller has received at least one offer that they are actively considering, but has not yet accepted. The listing usually remains publicly visible, and further offers are typically still welcome.
Under offer vs. Sold STC
These two terms are often confused. The difference matters:
- Under offer: one or more offers exist but nothing is agreed. The property is still on the market. Other buyers can make offers.
- Sold STC (Sold Subject to Contract): an offer has been accepted. Marketing usually stops. Further offers are possible but agents generally discourage them.
In practice, some estate agents use “under offer” as a catch-all covering both scenarios, and some use “sold subject to contract” interchangeably. If you see a property marked “under offer” and you’re a serious buyer, it’s worth asking the agent directly whether the offer has been accepted or is still being considered.
Can you still make an offer on an “under offer” property?
Yes. Until contracts have exchanged, the property is not legally committed to anyone. Many sales are won by a second or third buyer coming in after the original offer.
That said, approach carefully:
- Making a significantly higher offer may gazump the first buyer. That’s legal but not always good form, and some sellers won’t respond to speculative high bids.
- If the agent is open to further offers, make yours as strong as possible: confirm funding, confirm chain position, offer a tight exchange timeline.
- Ask about the first offer’s context. If the seller has accepted in principle but nothing is signed, your leverage is lower than if the seller is genuinely undecided.
What happens after “under offer”?
If the seller accepts an offer, the property moves to Sold STC, the agent issues a memorandum of sale to both solicitors, and conveyancing begins. The marketing is usually paused at this point.
If the seller rejects the offer (or the buyer withdraws), the property may return to full marketing or remain “under offer” with other buyers under consideration.
If you’re selling: under offer is not a commitment
If you’re on the selling side, remember that “under offer” is still your sale to make or break. You’re not obliged to accept until you have reviewed all offers, your circumstances, and the buyer’s credentials (chain position, mortgage status, timeline). Taking a few days to decide is reasonable.
Related
- Sold STC — the next stage, once an offer is accepted.
- Memorandum of sale — the document that marks the transition.
- Gazumping — when a second offer overtakes the first.