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.

Thinking about selling your home? Book your professional valuation today

What Our Customers Say...

Fantastic agents. Kept us informed at every stage during the purchase of a property and provided information and reassurance Zara 01/08/2025

I had no experience in buying a house the staff namely Amber helped me every step of the way. Always upbeat and happy to answer any questions. Thank you. Customer 2 01/08/2025

Karen Marijewko was amazing from start to finish, always at the end of the phone and kept me in the loop at every stage! I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Karen and Richard Kendall to anyone! The only downside was as I don't live in Wakefield I went with a solicitor they recommended and I had to keep chasing them! I would recommend doing your research into the conveyancing! Richard 01/08/2025

Liz was amazing, kept us updated at every stage, nothing was too much trouble, excellent service would highly recommend Amanda 01/08/2025

We recently sold our house through Richard Kendall and throughout the whole process, Joanne did an amazing job looking after us. Keeping us informed and my stress levels under control. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Joanne and Richard Kendall Estate Agency. Hazel Holdsworth David 01/08/2025

Having had a disastrous experience elsewhere, we turned to Richard Kendall Wakefield for help in selling our property. Their whole team were nothing but professional excellence from beginning to end with our property being processed from market to completion in a little less than 6 months. Special thanks to Cathrine and Shireen for their care and attention to detail with excellent communication at every stage of the process. THANKYOU ALL Team Wakefield. John 01/08/2025

Don't look elsewhere for an agent to sell your property. A big thank you to Karen Marijewko for being very proactive and keeping us informed on the sale of our house. We were lucky enough to have a smooth sale, but nonetheless made even easier with Karen's knowledge and helpful advice. In Karen's absence when on holiday etc, the Kendall team were able to help us with any enquiries, a really good team spirit within the company. Additionally, we'd like to say thank you to Danny who valued our property, and Andy the photographer, both were amazing in getting our property listed. We would highly recommend Kendalls to anyone looking to sell their property. Sonya 01/08/2025

All I can say is thank goodness for Amanda at the Pontefract branch! That woman has the patience of a saint and works tirelessly Fantastic commentator, genuine empathy and has supported us every step of the way with our sale If only every service provider worked like this then life would be a lot easier! Thanks Amanda for all your hard work!! Claire 01/08/2025

I couldn’t recommend Richard Kendall’s highly enough, Sarah was absolutely amazing and kept us sane throughout a complicated purchase. I hope never to move again but if did I would use them. Satah 01/08/2025

Get Social