Can You Make an Offer on a House Before Yours is Sold?

Buying and selling property is rarely a smooth, linear journey. We like to imagine it as a neat domino line: sell first, then buy, keys exchange hands in perfect sequence. But reality? It’s more like juggling flaming batons while someone keeps adding more. One of the trickiest questions that comes up is this: can you put an offer on a house before yours is sold?

The short answer: yes, you can. The longer answer: it’s complicated. Let’s unpack that.

What Does It Mean to Put an Offer in Early?

When we talk about making an offer before your own place is sold, we’re essentially describing a chain. You want House B, but the money for it depends on the sale of House A. It’s a delicate balance.

Sellers and their estate agents will know immediately whether you’re a “proceedable buyer” (funds ready, no ties) or someone whose purchase relies on another sale. Guess which category gets the red-carpet treatment? Exactly.

Still, that doesn’t mean you can’t make your interest clear. Many people do – sometimes successfully. It’s about being honest upfront, and sometimes about timing it just right.

What Are the Risks Involved?

We think the biggest risk is disappointment. Sellers may accept your offer on paper, but if your property lingers on the market, they might lose patience and pivot to a cash buyer or someone chain-free. It can be bruising.

There’s also the risk of over-committing emotionally. You fall in love with the dream kitchen, picture your sofa by the bay window, only to realise you can’t proceed fast enough. It stings.

And then, of course, there’s the financial risk. If you try to juggle bridging loans (yes, those exist, but they’re not cheap), you could end up paying more in fees and interest than makes sense. Unless you’re extremely confident in your sale going through quickly, it’s usually not worth the gamble.

How Do Sellers Typically Respond?

Sellers, understandably, are wary. Imagine you’re in their shoes: you’ve got someone offering full asking price, but it all hinges on them selling their house. Meanwhile, another buyer walks in, mortgage approved, deposit ready. Who would you lean toward?

That said, not all sellers are in a rush. Some may prefer a higher offer that comes with conditions, especially if they themselves haven’t found anywhere yet. Property transactions are rarely just about money; circumstances matter too.

Is It Legally Binding?

Here’s where UK law is both clear and frustrating: offers are not legally binding until contracts are exchanged. Until that moment, either side can walk away.

So yes, you can put in an offer. Yes, it might even get accepted. But until you’ve got that exchange signed off, the deal isn’t locked. Some call this “gazumping” when a seller accepts a higher offer at the last minute. Others call it heartbreak.

Should You Consider Alternatives?

Possibly. For example, if you’re open to new-build properties, some developers will take a reservation fee and give you time to sell your existing home. Or, as mentioned earlier, bridging loans can fill the gap (though we remain sceptical about their value for most buyers).

Another angle? Rental. Some homeowners choose to sell, then rent temporarily, giving themselves the freedom to buy without the pressure of a chain. It’s not perfect – moving twice is nobody’s idea of fun – but it can give you leverage as a cash buyer when you’re ready to pounce on the next place.

What About Investment Buyers?

Interestingly, the dynamic shifts if you’re an investor rather than a home-mover. For instance, those exploring Liverpool’s investment opportunities often approach purchases differently. They may already have financing lined up, or they’re looking at multiple units rather than a single “dream home.” It’s less emotional, more strategic.

For homeowners, though, the chain dilemma is harder to escape.

So, Can You Put an Offer on a House Before Yours is Sold?

Yes, you can. But should you? That depends on your appetite for risk and your specific circumstances. Some buyers pull it off seamlessly. Others find themselves scrambling when the timing doesn’t align.

Our advice? Be upfront, get your ducks in a row (mortgage, listing, buyer interest on your own property), and manage expectations. Sellers don’t expect perfection, but they do expect clarity.

Final Thoughts

The property market thrives on uncertainty. Buyers dream, sellers hesitate, and somewhere in the middle deals are struck. If you’re asking yourself can you put an offer on a house before yours is sold, the answer is “yes, technically” – but whether it’s wise is another story.

Take the time to weigh your options. Talk to your estate agent honestly. And remember: the right house will come along, even if the timing feels inconvenient right now.