What does SSTC mean? - Richard Kendall Estate Agents

Having your offer accepted on a home is an achievement worth celebrating; but the hard work isn’t over yet. In fact, it’s just begun. As soon as a home is sold, it will be listed as ‘SSTC’, so let’s take a look at what this means and what comes next.

What does SSTC stand for?

‘SSTC’ means that the home has been ‘sold subject to contract’. The seller has accepted the offer, but the agreement is not yet legally binding. While a home is listed as SSTC, the buyer and seller are in the conveyancing process and this label will remain unchanged until the deal becomes legally binding. Until the point of exchange of contracts, both the seller and buyer can pull out of the sale without any legal repercussions.

What does SSTC mean for buyers?

SSTC means that the seller has accepted your offer and the conveyancing process can be started. Though it is only one of many obstacles to overcome before you arrive at the exchange of contracts, this is nevertheless a major step in the right direction.

What does SSTC mean for sellers?

Once the buyer's proof of funds has been confirmed, SSTC will show up next to your post on property portals, unless the buyer asks for it to be taken down and you agree. The ‘For Sale’ sign outside your house will also be changed to a ‘Sold STC’ sign.

Can someone view a house that is SSTC?

A home that has been sold subject to contract can still be viewed if the seller agrees to it. However, this could be a risk on the seller’s part as some buyers might choose to withdraw their offer if they find out that the seller is still accepting viewings.

Can I make an offer on a home listed as SSTC?

If the home you are interested in is marked as SSTC, you still have the opportunity to submit an offer. The estate agent has a legal obligation to forward all offers that the seller receives - unless the seller specifically asks them not to. The SSTC stage can be challenging for buyers, as it might result in 'gazumping'.

What is gazumping?

Gazumping is when a higher offer is accepted on the home you are buying, leading to the sale falling through. Timing also plays a big role in gazumping. The seller may accept an offer from a buyer whose schedule fits their needs more closely. Therefore, as a buyer, it’s important to have all your documents at the ready. A mortgage agreement in principle will also speed up the process for both parties.

How to avoid gazumping another buyer

You can register your interest in the property with the agent in case the sale falls through while it is SSTC, even if you do not intend to gazump another buyer. You will be informed and able to make your offer as soon as the property returns on the market.

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What Our Customers Say...

Our experience with Richard Kendal (or Karen Marijewko) has been absolutely brilliant. Karen has been a great help with advising us on what needs doing, ensuring smooth communications between ourselves and others and even advocating for ourselves when things weren’t going smoothly. We are incredibly grateful for all help and guidance during this time and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to others. Thank you so much Karen. Sadie 13/01/2025

Of all the people I dealt with during the sale of my property, Elizabeth Cooke was by far the best. Her communication at every stage was excellent, underpinned by a detailed knowledge of every aspect of selling. She always did exactly what she said she would and was indefatigable in chasing up all the other parties in the chain. Her pleasant and friendly manner made conversations a pleasure. Jeff 13/01/2025

Just sold my mother’s house through Richard Kendall. I have to say that they were absolutely superb and I cannot recommend them highly enough. Mandy who dealt with our sale has been absolutely terrific and has taken so much stress out of the process by dealing with all solicitors and other estate agents. I am confident that the sale would not have gone through when it did without her involvement. Matthew 13/01/2025

We put our bungalow up for sale with Richard Kendall Estate Agents … Lucy at the Ossett branch was the lady who dealt with everything. Every viewing, every offer made and finally all aspects of the completion was carried out with a very friendly and professional manner. We would wholeheartedly recommend Lucy at the Ossett branch without a problem. Julie 13/01/2025

Fantastic service and that personal touch❤️...thanks to Amanda and all the team..happy home owner 🎊🏠 Katie 13/01/2025

The company kept me updated every step of the way. Elizabeth Cooke and Joanne looked after my sale and were so helpful and great to communicate with and most importantly always available. Joe Brooke was always a pleasure to deal with too. Jo 13/01/2025

Thanks to a great team at Richard Kendall, especially Amber who was our dedicated agent for the sale who provided feedback updates and post sales contact. Couldn't have wished for a better sales experience and will definitely use again or recommend. Andrew 13/01/2025

Sarah kept us informed the whole way through the process which was very useful in what turned out to be a rather stressful process, not in any way due to Sarah’s work. She was always responsive via email or followed up with a phone call. Thank you! Sarah 13/01/2025

The Richard Kendall team were fantastic when selling my property. Andy came to the house to take photographs and was professional, friendly and took brilliant photos. Donna and Suzanne were helpful and supportive all the way through, communicating with me and ensuring everything went through smoothly. Louise 13/01/2025

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