What Does “Under Offer” Mean in Perth?

The short answer

When a Perth property is marked under offer, the seller has usually accepted a buyer’s offer but settlement has not yet occurred. Finance, inspection, sale-of-property or other conditions may still be outstanding.

Under offer is a market-status description, not a guarantee that the transaction will complete. The signed contract determines the actual position.

Accepted does not mean settled

In WA the written Offer and Acceptance contract is central to making and accepting an offer. Once accepted and communicated, the agreement can be legally binding subject to its conditions. Ownership does not transfer until settlement and registration steps are completed.

Can another buyer still make an offer?

Another buyer can ask whether backup offers are being accepted. A seller already bound by a contract cannot simply disregard it, but a backup offer may be considered if the first contract ends.

A contract subject to the sale of another property may contain a 48-hour clause or another continuing-marketing provision. The actual wording, rather than the nickname, controls how it works.

Questions to ask the agent

The agent may not disclose confidential terms, but can usually clarify the listing status and whether further interest is being recorded.

• Has the seller signed and accepted an offer?
• Is the contract conditional or unconditional?
• Are backup offers invited?
• Is there a 48-hour clause?
• When is settlement expected?