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What does ‘under offer’ actually mean?

If you’re scrolling through property listings, you’ve probably seen homes marked “under offer.” But what does that actually mean — and can you still make an offer yourself?

Here’s the simple breakdown.

1. What ‘under offer’ really means

When a property is under offer, it means a buyer has made an offer that the seller has accepted — but the sale isn’t final yet.

The buyer is still working through conditions like:

  • Finance approval
  • Building and pest inspections
  • Contract checks
  • Valuation

Until those conditions are met, the property isn’t officially sold.

Think of it as:

The home is on hold for someone… but the deal isn’t locked in.

2. Is ‘under offer’ the same as ‘sold’?

Not quite.

  • Under offer = conditionally accepted
  • Sold = unconditional / contract complete

A property can fall through while it’s under offer if:

  • Finance gets declined
  • The valuation comes in low
  • There are issues during inspection
  • The buyer pulls out within their cooling-off period

So while the first buyer has the first shot, the home isn’t completely off the market yet.

3. Can you still make an offer when a home is under offer?

Yes — in most cases, you can still submit your interest.

Here’s how it usually works:

  • Agents may take your details as a backup buyer
  • If the first offer collapses, you get the next opportunity
  • You might even be invited to submit a formal offer, depending on the state and situation

You generally can’t “outbid” someone who already has an accepted conditional offer, but being the next in line can put you in a strong position if their deal falls through.

4. Why buyers should pay attention to ‘under offer’ listings

If you love a home that’s under offer, don’t ignore it — because:

  • Deals fall through more often than people think
  • Finance delays are common
  • Inspections can uncover issues
  • The seller might prefer a stronger buyer

Leaving your details with the agent gives you a chance to step in if the first deal doesn’t proceed.

Sometimes the home comes back on the market a few days later — and buyers who stayed interested get first contact.