Does "Sold Subject to Contract" Mean The House Has Been Sold?

There’s a moment every homebuyer knows well. You’re scrolling through the listings, you finally spot the and then see that dreaded label: Sold Subject to Contract (STC). It feels like a definitive signal that you should carry on because ‘this one’s taken’, but it isn’t. It’s close to meaning that, but not quite.

"Sold STC" means a seller has accepted an offer, but the sale is far from being final. You may still be able to view the property or register your interest if the deal collapses.

Most first-time buyers assume Sold STC means the property is gone for good, yet the reality is far more flexible. In fact, this label tells you surprisingly little about how secure the sale really is, as around 1 in 3 UK house purchases fall through after an offer has been accepted.

In this article, we look at what ‘STC’ actually means, so you can better understand when properties are really still available for new, interested parties, and when you’d be better turning to a different option. Let’s break it down.

What Does “Sold STC” Actually Mean?

“Sold STC” is a term that means a seller has accepted an offer on their property, but the sale may only be at the very beginning of the process. It means that the seller has agreed on a price with the buyer, but literally nothing has been signed, meaning the deal can fall apart anytime, and for many reasons.

It might be due to someone not being able to get a mortgage, issues picked up in surveys or simply because the proposal no longer interests the buyer.

In the UK, a property is only considered legally sold once contracts are exchanged. Until then, a Sold STC home is merely in a holding pattern while:

• The buyer arranges a mortgage with their bank/building society
• The chosen level of home survey is carried out
• Solicitors carry out searches and enquiries
• Both sides negotiate any issues that come up

Naturally, deals collapse all of the time, with former ‘SOLD STC’ properties often returning to the market. So, while it’s not great to find your dream home seemingly being bought by someone else, it only means someone is ahead of you - not that the door is completely closed on you.

Can you still view a property that’s ‘Sold STC’?

In most cases, yes - you still can. Sold STC isn’t a legal barrier, and agents know how often sales fall through. If you’re genuinely interested, it’s always worth asking. Here’s how it usually works.

You can usually still view when:

• The seller wants backup interest in case the current sale collapses
• The estate agent is open to keeping a list of potential buyers
• The buyer who made the offer hasn’t progressed very far in the process
• The seller wants to continue viewings until things look more secure

You may not be able to view when:

• The seller requests no more viewings out of respect for the current buyer
• The estate agent believes the sale is progressing smoothly and wants to avoid disrupting it
• The current buyer has already paid for searches/survey/mortgage valuation
• The property is part of a chain that is already committed and stable

Even if the agent can’t offer you a viewing right now, it’s completely acceptable and smart to ask them to. That’s because they can also:

• Add you to a “fall-through”contact list
• Notify you immediately if the sale collapses
• Let you know if the seller changes their mind about viewings

Most agents are more than happy to keep strong backup buyers close by. Sales fall through more often than people realise, so staying visible and making your interest known could position you well if the deal breaks down.

So, When Should You Move On from a Sold STC Property?

There are times when it still makes sense to keep an eye on a listing, even if it’s got an STC sticker showing on the website, particularly when the offer was only recently accepted. However, there are others when it pays to know when to cut your losses and carry on scouring the market.

That might be the case when:

• The agent confirms the current buyer is committed and close to key milestones
• The seller has stopped all viewings without exception
• The listing has been completely removed from all online property portals
• The sale appears stable (mortgage offer issued, survey fine, enquiries resolved) and the agent isn’t raising any concerns

Of course, while you’re waiting, you need to keep your own search moving. View other properties, stay in touch with agents and keep your mortgage documents ready to go. That way, you’re prepared if the one you’ve had your eye on suddenly comes back on again.

SAM Conveyancing - Here to Make Sense of Home Buying in the UK

When you see ‘Sold STC’ on a property, it can feel like a dead end, but it doesn’t necessarily have to stop there. Ask the agent to notify you if the sale collapses and keep looking for another property.

If you’re looking for your dream home and you want a solicitor who offers practical advice in a clear, non-jargon way, the SAM Conveyancing team is here to help. We’ll help you make sense of buying or selling a home in the UK.

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