Managing multiple offers is one of the most exciting (and high-pressure) parts of selling your property. If done right, it can result in a price and terms that exceed your expectations. If done wrong, it can lead to frustrated buyers walking away. Here is our guide on how to handle multiple offers fairly and strategically.

How to Handle Multiple Offers on Your Property

When you have two or more interested buyers, the goal is to find the strongest offer, which isn't always just the highest price.

The "Best and Final" Strategy

The simplest and most transparent way to handle multiple offers is to ask all parties to put their "best and final" offer forward.

1. Notify all parties in writing: Formally advise all buyers that multiple offers have been made.
2. Set a deadline: Give them a short, clear timeframe (e.g., 48 hours) to submit their absolute best offer.
3. Confidentiality: There is no need to disclose the dollar amount of the other offers. Simply ask them to put their "best foot forward."
4. Avoid "Bidding Wars": While traditional agents often play buyers off against each other, this can lead to "buyer fatigue" where people pull out. Setting a single deadline for final offers protects you from this risk.

Evaluating the "Strength" of an Offer

Price is important, but conditions are what get the deal across the finish line. A lower offer can be "stronger" if it has fewer hurdles.

• Finance Status: A buyer who is pre-approved or making a cash offer is more reliable than a higher offer from someone who hasn't started their finance application.
• Subject to Sale: An offer that is subject to the buyer selling their own home first is much riskier than an offer from someone who is ready to move now.
• Building & Pest Inspections: Are they happy with a short inspection period, or are they asking for 21 days?
• Settlement Timeframe: Does their preferred moving date align with yours?

The 5-Step Multiple Offer Process

1. Notify: Inform all interested parties of the multiple offer situation.
2. Set the Clock: Advise all parties of the offer period closing time.
3. Review & Choose: At the close of the period, select the strongest offer (Price + Conditions).
4. Act Fast: Immediately contact the winning buyer and solicitors on both sides to arrange paperwork.
5. Courtesy Follow-up: Notify the unsuccessful buyers. Advise them that you will keep their details on file and reach out immediately if the first contract falls through.

General Offer Tips & Next Steps

1. Get the Details in Writing

Once you have an offer you wish to accept, ensure you have all the specifics:

• Full contact details of the buyers.
• Final price and deposit amount.
• All conditions (Finance, Building/Pest, etc.).
• Preferred settlement timeframe.
• Solicitor Details: Ask for the name of the buyer’s solicitor and provide your own.

2. Use the Right Forms

You can download a Printable Offer Form (non-legally binding) from your PropertyNow account under 'Forms and Downloads'. This helps you capture all the necessary info in one go.

3. Mark the Property as "Under Contract"

We recommend waiting until the cooling-off period has expired before marking your listing as 'Under Contract' in your dashboard. Once the contract goes unconditional, you can then mark it as 'Sold'. Rest assured if anything goes wrong, you can easily unmark as under contract or sold.

4. Inspections during "Under Contract"

You can still hold open houses or private viewings while a property is under contract (especially if it's still in the cooling-off period). However, you must disclose to attendees that the property is currently under contract and you are taking "backup interest."

Updated on: 25/02/2026