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...

I had a fantastic experience with Richard Kendall Estate Agent. Their team was professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly helpful throughout the entire process. They made everything clear and straightforward, which really helped reduce any stress. Communication was excellent from start to finish always prompt, friendly, and transparent. They kept me updated every step of the way and were always happy to answer any questions. Abujor 10/04/2026

We used Richard Kendall to find and purchase our first property. The company, including our assigned estate agent Karen Marijewko, have been fantastic and provided service well beyond what we expected. Karen took excellent care of us, kept us updated at every stage, and pushed the sale forward, making the whole process less stressful and much more efficient for us as first-time buyers. Karen scheduled weekly updates with us and always kept to them, ensuring that information was followed up even when solicitors did not. She truly went above and beyond, and many of our family members commented that their estate agents did not come close to the level of service we received. We were extremely happy with the support provided and would be more than happy to use their services again in the future. Jakub 10/04/2026

Professional, reliable, and excellent customer service. Highly recommend Richard Kendall's. Thank you for going above and beyond! Your patience and support made a huge difference in the process. Communication was outstanding from start to finish. Every question was answered and I always felt well informed. Karen was brilliant! Always there to help and advise, she is a great asset to the team! Thank you to Sarah and Miranda too who were very helpful and friendly. Kim 10/04/2026

Donna and Joanne have been a pleasure to have as my estate agents. They have been on it none stop to ensure the sale of my property and get me and my family moved into our new home. Really can’t thank them enough for all the work they have done, they really went above and beyond. Milly 10/04/2026

Big thanks to Emily Dunbar at Richard Kendall’s Wakefield. They were handling my purchase and Emily was always proactive, timely and efficient. I always felt I knew where I was in the process. Karen 10/04/2026

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