Sold STC (Subject to Contract) means a property seller has accepted an offer from a buyer but no legally binding contracts have been exchanged yet, leaving both parties free to walk away from the deal until the formal exchange of contracts takes place.
According to recent property market data from 2025, it currently takes around 60 days on average for a home to sell in Great Britain, from the time it’s first listed to completion. This timeline highlights the extended nature of property transactions, with the “Sold STC” phase representing just one stage in a lengthy process. The uncertainty of this phase is underscored by concerning statistics showing that nearly one-third of property sales (28.8%) fell through in 2024, with research suggesting that around one in three property sales in the UK fail to progress beyond the sold STC stage. For sellers eager to move quickly, these figures represent a significant risk factor when considering traditional sale methods.
Table of Contents
What Does Sold STC Mean?
When you see a property marked as ‘Sold STC’ on property portals like Rightmove or Zoopla, it indicates that negotiations between buyer and seller have reached a positive stage. The seller has verbally accepted an offer from a prospective buyer, but this agreement has no legal standing yet. Until contracts are formally exchanged, which typically happens weeks or even months later, the property transaction remains tentative.
This status is different from simply being ‘For Sale’ (actively marketed with no accepted offer) or ‘Completed’ (when the property has legally changed hands). During the Sold STC period, both parties work towards finalising the sale through various checks, surveys, and legal preparations. The property is usually, but not always, removed from active marketing at this stage, though it may still appear on listing websites with the Sold STC label.
It’s worth noting that practices can vary between estate agents. Some might continue allowing viewings during this period as insurance against the sale falling through, while others might stop new viewings completely once a property reaches Sold STC status.
What Does Sold Subject to Contract Mean for Buyers and Sellers?
Understanding what this status means for both parties in the transaction can help set realistic expectations and prepare for the next steps in the process.
For buyers, Sold STC means:
Your offer has been accepted, but you’re not legally committed yet
You should now arrange surveys, mortgage finalisation and legal checks
You have time to conduct due diligence before legally committing
You can withdraw without penalty if issues arise during investigations
Other potential buyers might still make offers on the property
For sellers, Sold STC means:
You’ve accepted an offer but aren’t legally bound to the buyer yet
The property will usually be marked as Sold STC on listing websites
You should begin preparing necessary paperwork for your solicitor
You can still consider other offers that come in during this period
There’s no guarantee the sale will complete until contracts are exchanged
This middle ground between “for sale” and “sold” creates both opportunities and challenges for all involved in the transaction.
How Different Property Sale Statuses Compare: From Listing to Completion?
To understand how Sold STC fits into the broader property selling journey, it’s helpful to compare the different statuses a property might have during the sales process. The table below outlines these key stages and what they mean for buyers and sellers:
| Property Status | What It Means | Legal Position | Marketing Status | Risk Level | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For Sale | Actively marketed, accepting offers | No commitments | Fully marketed | N/A | Varies widely |
| Under Offer | Offer made and being considered | No legal obligation | Usually still marketed | Very high | 1-2 weeks |
| Sold STC | Offer accepted, conveyancing begins | No legal obligation | Limited marketing | High | 8-12 weeks |
| Exchange of Contracts | Legally binding agreement reached | Legally committed | Off market | Low | 1-2 weeks |
| Completion | Property ownership transferred | Sale completed | No longer listed | None | Same day-2 weeks |
As this table illustrates, a property can remain in the Sold STC status for a significant period-typically 8-12 weeks-during which the risk of the sale falling through remains substantial. This represents the most uncertain phase of the property transaction, where various issues might emerge from surveys, searches, or financing arrangements that could derail the process.
Can Sold STC Fall Through?
Unfortunately, sales marked as Sold STC can and do fall through with concerning frequency. Research indicates that around one in three property sales fail to progress beyond this stage to completion. Understanding why these breakdowns occur can help both buyers and sellers prepare for potential pitfalls.
The most common reasons for Sold STC sales collapsing include:
Survey problems revealing structural issues, damp, or electrical faults
Mortgage rejection when lenders’ valuations don’t match the agreed price
Chain complications where linked purchases collapse, affecting all transactions
Legal issues discovered during searches, such as boundary disputes
Gazumping situations where sellers accept higher offers from new buyers
Change of circumstances for either buyer or seller (job loss, relationship breakdown)
Delays causing either party to lose patience and withdraw
These potential complications highlight why many sellers remain cautious about removing their property from the market entirely until contracts have been exchanged.
Sold Subject to Contract: How Long Does It Take?
The timeline from a property being marked as Sold STC to completion varies considerably depending on multiple factors, including the complexity of the transaction, the efficiency of solicitors involved, mortgage arrangements, and whether there’s a property chain.
On average, research suggests this process takes around 8-12 weeks in the current market. This period covers several critical phases:
Property surveys and inspections (1-3 weeks)
Mortgage application processing (2-4 weeks)
Legal searches and enquiries (3-6 weeks)
Draft contract preparation and review (2-3 weeks)
Final negotiations and resolution of any issues (varies)
Exchange of contracts (1-2 weeks)
Completion (0-2 weeks after exchange)
These timeframes are approximate and can extend significantly if complications arise during any stage. The presence of a property chain can add further delays, as progress depends on all linked transactions proceeding smoothly.
Sold Subject to Contract: What Happens Next?
Once a property reaches Sold STC status, both buyers and sellers enter a period of increased activity preparing for the eventual exchange of contracts. Understanding these next steps helps all parties navigate the process more effectively.
For buyers, the immediate priorities include:
Instructing a solicitor or conveyancer to handle legal aspects
Arranging a property survey to assess condition
Finalising mortgage approval and arrangements
Completing identity verification for anti-money laundering checks
For sellers, key actions include:
Completing property information forms for their solicitor
Gathering documentation such as planning permissions and warranties
Addressing any enquiries raised by the buyer’s solicitor
Making arrangements for their onward move
During this period, regular communication between all parties becomes vital. Good estate agents provide updates to both buyers and sellers, ensuring everyone remains informed about progress and any potential issues are identified promptly.
How Rose from Tamworth Overcame a Broken Sold STC Chain?
Rose, a retired teacher from Tamworth, experienced first-hand the frustration of a collapsed Sold STC sale. After accepting an offer on her three-bedroom semi-detached home and turning down several other interested parties, she was dismayed when her buyer’s mortgage application was rejected six weeks into the process.
“I’d already had my heart set on a bungalow closer to my daughter,” Rose explained. “But suddenly I was back at square one, with my dream move in jeopardy and precious time wasted.”
The prospect of relisting her property and beginning the entire process again was daunting, particularly as Rose had been hoping to complete her move before Christmas. After discussing options with her estate agent, she contacted Property Saviour to explore alternatives.
“They explained how they could purchase my property directly, without the uncertainty of chains or mortgage approvals,” Rose said. “What impressed me most was their transparency about the process and their understanding of my situation.”
As a cash house buyer, Property Saviour was able to offer Rose a guaranteed sale with a timeline she could rely on. While the offer was slightly below market value, Rose calculated that the certainty and speed-combined with savings on estate agent fees, continued mortgage payments and utility bills-made it a worthwhile choice.
“Within three weeks, the sale was complete, and I was able to secure my bungalow without the stress of wondering if another buyer would fall through,” she recalled.
If you’re facing similar challenges with a property sale or want to avoid the uncertainty of the Sold STC process altogether, getting in touch with Property Saviour could provide the certainty and speed you need during what can be a stressful time.
What Reddit Users Reveal About the Reality of Sold STC Properties
Online property forums offer fascinating insights into real experiences with Sold STC properties. One recurring theme from Reddit discussions is confusion around properties that appear on Rightmove already marked as “Sold STC”-suggesting they were never truly marketed to the wider public.
As one Reddit user questioned: “From a seller’s perspective, why would you choose not to showcase your property to the entire market? These listings might have fetched a better price than what was agreed upon with the Sold STC status!”
Another Reddit thread revealed the frustration of potential buyers seeing properties lingering in Sold STC status: “After three months of seeing the same house listed as ‘under offer’ but still taking viewings, I finally asked the estate agent what was happening. Turns out the first buyer couldn’t secure financing but the seller was reluctant to officially put it back on the market at a lower price.”
At Property Saviour, we’ve observed that extended Sold STC periods often indicate underlying problems. Properties that repeatedly return to market after being Sold STC frequently have issues that only become apparent during surveys or legal searches. For sellers, this cycle of hope and disappointment can be emotionally draining and financially costly.
Another revealing comment from a Reddit discussion noted how frequently sales collapse: “Happens all the time, used to be about 1 in 10 fall through ten years ago, nowadays I have seen figures cited of 1 in 3 fall through.” This increasing rate of failed sales highlights the growing complexity and uncertainty in the traditional property market.
Do Estate Agents Have to Tell You About Other Offers?
Yes, estate agents are legally required to inform potential buyers if there are other offers on a property they’re interested in. This obligation stems from their duty to treat all potential buyers fairly and to act in the best interests of their client-the seller.
However, it’s important to note that while estate agents must disclose the existence of other offers, they are not permitted to reveal the specific amounts being offered or the identities of other potential buyers. This rule balances transparency with confidentiality.
If you’re a buyer interested in a property marked as Sold STC, the estate agent should inform you of this status and explain that while they’ll present your offer to the seller, there’s already an accepted offer in place. Similarly, if you’re the buyer whose offer has been accepted, the estate agent should let you know if subsequent offers are received, though the decision to consider these remains with the seller.
Some estate agents may use sealed bids (where all interested buyers submit their best offer by a deadline) in cases of significant interest in a property. This approach aims to ensure fairness, though it can create additional stress for buyers uncertain about what figure will secure the property.
How Common Is Gazumping and Is Gazumping Illegal?
Gazumping occurs when a seller accepts a higher offer from a new buyer after already having accepted an initial offer from another buyer. This practice is particularly common during the Sold STC period when no legally binding contracts have been exchanged.
While specific statistics on gazumping vary by region and market conditions, industry estimates suggest it affects approximately 1 in 4 property transactions in England and Wales. Gazumping tends to increase in competitive seller’s markets where demand exceeds supply, particularly in sought-after areas.
Contrary to what many believe, gazumping is not illegal in England and Wales. The lack of legal commitment until exchange of contracts means sellers are free to accept higher offers that emerge later in the process. This differs from Scotland, where the system provides greater security earlier in the transaction process.
For buyers, the risk of being gazumped can be reduced by:
Requesting the property be removed from marketing once your offer is accepted
Building good rapport with the seller
Moving quickly through the necessary legal and survey processes
Having financing arranged in advance
Considering a lock-out agreement (though these are relatively uncommon)
Despite these precautions, gazumping remains a real risk until contracts are exchanged, highlighting one of the fundamental weaknesses in the English and Welsh property buying system.
Does ‘Sold STC’ Count as Off the Market?
When a property is marked as ‘Sold STC’, it isn’t technically off the market in legal terms, though it may appear that way to casual observers. The exact approach varies between estate agents and sellers, creating some confusion around this status.
Most estate agents will:
Mark the property as “Sold STC” or “Under Offer” on websites and property portals
Stop actively marketing the property through new listings or advertisements
Often stop conducting general viewings, though this isn’t universal
Continue to pass on any new offers that come in, as legally required
However, the property isn’t fully “off the market” until contracts have been exchanged. Until then, the seller can still legally consider other offers, and the property remains visible (albeit with the Sold STC status) on most property websites.
For buyers who have had their offer accepted, this limbo period can feel uncomfortable. Many request that the property be removed from marketing completely as a condition of progressing the sale. While sellers aren’t obliged to agree to this, many do as a show of commitment to the transaction.
How Long From Sold Subject to Contract to Completion?
The journey from Sold STC to completion represents the bulk of the property transaction timeline. According to recent data, this process currently takes around 8-12 weeks on average in the UK housing market, though individual cases can vary significantly.
Several factors influence the timeline:
Property chain length – Longer chains typically mean more delays
Survey findings – Issues discovered may require renegotiation or remedial work
Mortgage arrangement complexity – Unusual properties or circumstances can extend this process
Legal complications – Title issues or missing documents can cause significant delays
Local authority search times – These vary considerably by region
In the current market, delays have become increasingly common due to high transaction volumes and staffing pressures across the property industry. Some conveyancing processes are now taking up to five months from Sold STC to completion, causing frustration for buyers and sellers alike.
One Reddit user shared their experience: “I am exchanging on Monday, and the place is still not even down as under offer, let alone sold STC on Rightmove.” This highlights how the visible status of a property doesn’t always accurately reflect its progress through the sales process.
Understanding Your Options
The Sold STC status represents a significant milestone in property transactions, but as we’ve seen, it comes with considerable uncertainty and potential for disappointment. With approximately one-third of sales falling through at this stage, both buyers and sellers face weeks or months of limbo before knowing whether their move will proceed.
For sellers with time-sensitive moving needs or those who have already experienced the frustration of collapsed sales, alternative routes may offer welcome relief from this uncertainty. At Property Saviour, we specialise in providing certainty when traditional property sales prove unpredictable. Our direct purchase approach eliminates the extended Sold STC period entirely, replacing it with a straightforward process and guaranteed completion.
If you’re weighing up different selling routes and feeling overwhelmed by the potential for delays, disappointment, and uncertainty in the traditional market, get in touch with Property Saviour today. We understand the frustrations many sellers experience with traditional sales methods and are here to offer a simpler, more reliable alternative when you need certainty and speed with your property transaction.
Sell with certainty & speed
Here’s what makes us unique as a reliable property buyers:
Property Saviour Price Promise
- The price we’ll offer is the price that you will receive with no hidden deductions.
- Be careful with ‘cash buyers’ who require a valuation needed for a mortgage or bridging loan.
- These valuations or surveys result in delays and price reductions later on.
- We are cash buyers. There are no surveys.
- We always provide proof of funds with every formal offer issued.
We'll Pay £1,500 Towards Your Legal Fees
- No long exclusivity agreement to sign because we are the buyers.
- You are welcome to use your own solicitor.
- If you don’t have one, we can ask our solicitors for recommendations.
- We share our solicitor’s details and issue a Memorandum of Sale.
Sell With Certainty & Speed
- Our approach is transparent and ethical, which is why sellers trust us.
- 100% Discretion guaranteed.
- If you have another buyer, you can put us in a contracts race to see who completes first.
- Complete in 10 days or at a timescale that works for you. You are in control.
