An offer is more than a price. It also sets out conditions, dates, the deposit and what is included in the sale. Before you sign, confirm your budget and finance position, review the property information, and ask your lawyer or conveyancer to check the sale and purchase agreement. The agreement is legally binding; the right terms depend on your circumstances and the method of sale.
A seller may weigh price alongside conditions and settlement timing. If you can offer flexibility, consider whether it suits your own move and funding. Do not remove a condition simply to make an offer look stronger if you still need that protection. Ask your lawyer what a proposed change means before agreeing to it.
The listing agent can explain the seller’s stated process and present your written offer. In most cases the agent works for the seller, while also having to deal fairly with buyers. Your own lawyer or conveyancer is the person to advise you on the contract and your interests.
A multi-offer process involves more than one written offer. Ask the agent to explain the process and timing before you submit yours. The seller may accept one offer, negotiate with one or more buyers, or accept none. You may not get a chance to improve your offer, so choose a price and terms you can stand behind without exceeding your limit.
You can discuss a price supported by comparable sales, the property’s condition and your budget. An advertised price does not guarantee that a seller will accept a particular offer.
There is no single deadline that fits every offer. Discuss the proposed timeframe with your lawyer and ask the agent how the seller intends to handle offers under the sale method being used.
Only after you understand the property, finance and contract risks with independent advice. An unconditional offer does not give you the protection of conditions you might still need.
Browse Marshland’s current homes, read our Canterbury buyer guide, or contact a team member to ask about a property and its sale process. For independent detail, read the Real Estate Authority’s making an offer guide and sale and purchase agreement guide.