You’ve just spotted your dream Gold Coast property. The location’s perfect, the photos look incredible, and the price feels right, but then you see those two small words: under offer.
For many buyers, this is where the confusion sets in. Does it mean the home is already sold? Is there still a chance to make an offer? Or should you move on and keep searching?
Whether you’re buying locally, interstate, or from overseas, understanding what under offer means can help you make smarter decisions and move faster in a competitive market.
What “under offer” actually means
In simple terms, under offer means a seller has accepted an offer from a buyer, but the sale hasn’t been finalised yet. The contract is still conditional — that is, it depends on a few things being checked off first.
These conditions can include finance approval, pest and building inspections, or final contract reviews. Until those conditions are satisfied and both parties confirm, the sale isn’t complete.
Once the conditions are met, the property becomes unconditional, which means it’s officially sold and removed from the market.
In Queensland, this process typically lasts about 7 to 14 days. During that time, the buyer’s agent and the seller’s agent are both working to move things forward behind the scenes.
At COAST Buyer’s Agency, we often help clients assess properties that are under offer to determine whether there’s still an opportunity worth pursuing. Understanding the stage a listing is at can save you valuable time and frustration.
The typical stages of a property sale
To understand where under offer fits in, it helps to see the broader sales process.
Here’s how it generally unfolds in Queensland:
- Property is listed: The home is officially on the market, open for inspection and offers.
- Offer accepted: The seller accepts an offer, and the property becomes under offer.
- Conditional period: The buyer completes due diligence (finance, inspections, legal checks).
- Unconditional: All conditions are met; the contract becomes binding.
- Settlement: Ownership officially transfers, and the property is marked as sold.
Each step has its own timeline and legal considerations. It’s not uncommon for properties to move back and forth between stages if conditions aren’t met. For instance, if finance falls through, a property that was under offer can return to for sale status within days.
Can you still make an offer on a property that’s under offer?
In most cases, yes. While an accepted offer is in place, it’s not always final.
Agents can take backup offers during the conditional period. These are alternative offers that come into play if the initial contract collapses. If you’re serious about a property that’s under offer, it’s worth communicating that interest early.
Common misconceptions about “under offer”
There’s a lot of misinformation around what under offer really means. Let’s clear up a few of the most common misunderstandings:
- “Under offer” means the home is sold.
Not quite. The property is only sold once the contract becomes unconditional.
- You can’t make another offer.
In Queensland, you can make a backup offer until the contract is unconditional.
- It’s not worth inspecting.
Sometimes it is — especially if you’re serious and prepared. If the first buyer’s contract falls through, being ready can put you in the best position.
- Agents always remove listings.
Some agents leave listings visible online during the conditional period, which is why you’ll often see “under offer” on sites like Domain or realestate.com.au.
What happens if a property falls through?
Even after an offer is accepted, sales can and do collapse. Some common reasons include:
- Finance approval not coming through
- Unfavourable building or pest inspection results
- Contract disagreements or missed deadlines
- Buyer withdrawal during the cooling-off period
When this happens, the property usually returns to the market. These moments can create excellent opportunities, particularly for buyers who are ready to act quickly.
Why a buyer’s agent makes the process easier
The term under offer might sound straightforward, but the steps that follow can be surprisingly complex. Between contract clauses, agent communication, and fast-moving timelines, it’s easy for important details to slip through the cracks. For busy professionals or buyers based interstate, keeping up with those changes can quickly become overwhelming.
This is where a buyer’s agent makes all the difference. For example, at COAST, we act as your trusted partner throughout the process, clarifying each property’s true status so you’re not wasting time on listings that have already been sold or withdrawn. Our strong relationships with local selling agents mean we often hear about off-market opportunities, upcoming listings, or properties that may soon return to the market before they appear online.
We also manage all the due diligence on your behalf. From contract reviews and building inspections to coordinating finance and legal checks, our team ensures you have every piece of information you need to make a confident decision. More importantly, we streamline the experience so you can focus on your goals, not the paperwork.
What to do when you see “under offer”
If you come across a property marked under offer, here’s how to approach it strategically:
- Don’t assume it’s gone. Contact the agent or your buyer’s agent to confirm.
- Ask about the contract status. Find out whether it’s conditional or unconditional.
- Submit a backup offer if it suits your goals.
- Stay alert. If the first deal falls through, you’ll be ready to act immediately.
Stay informed, stay ready
Buying property is full of unfamiliar terms and time-sensitive decisions, especially when you’re not local.
Understanding what under offer means can save you stress and help you move faster when the right property appears.
At COAST Buyer’s Agency, we help investors, families, and professionals secure the right property on the Gold Coast without the confusion or guesswork.
If you’re considering investing or relocating and want expert guidance on where you’re at in your property buying journey, book a free consultation with COAST Buyer’s Agency to start the conversation today.
