Offers

A buyer must make an offer through the estate agent if a home is sold through one.

A buyer can make their offer directly to the seller for a private sale.

Buyers can make offers verbally (over the phone or in person) or in writing.

An offer is not legally binding in England and Wales until contracts are exchanged.

If a buyer makes an offer ‘subject to contract’, this means the price can still be negotiated (for example if a survey finds a problem with the property).

The law is different if you’re making an offer for property in Scotland.