STC Meaning: What “Sold Subject to Contract” Really Means in UK Property
If you’ve been browsing homes in the UK — scrolling through listings, dreaming over kitchens and balconies — you’ve definitely seen three little letters pop up again and again: STC.
They sit there quietly, almost casually, beside a home you might love.
But what do they really mean?
Here’s your clear, complete guide to STC meaning, why it matters for buyers and sellers, and how this mysterious middle-stage can shape the entire property journey.
What Does STC Mean in Property?
STC stands for “Sold Subject to Contract.”
In simple terms, it means:
The seller has accepted an offer,
A buyer has been chosen,
But the property is not legally sold yet.
It’s that delicate space between agreement and completion — a handshake without the signature.
Why Properties Are Listed as STC
Estate agents use STC to signal that:
Negotiations are done,
The home is off the open market,
But legal checks, surveys, and contracts are still in progress.
It’s a promise, not a finished deal.
Most UK property sales spend weeks — sometimes months — in this stage.
What Happens During the STC Phase?
Once a seller accepts an offer and the home goes STC, several things begin:
1. Conveyancing Starts
Solicitors begin the legal process: title checks, paperwork, contract drafts.
2. Surveys & Valuations
The bank (or buyer) arranges surveys to assess the home’s condition and value.
3. Final Negotiations
If survey issues appear, buyers may renegotiate — or walk away.
4. Contracts Are Prepared
This is where the process turns from a conversation into a transaction.
5. Exchange of Contracts
Only once contracts are exchanged does the sale become legally binding.
Until then, either party can change their mind — which is why STC feels like the property world’s “almost, but not yet.”
Can You Still Make an Offer on an STC Property?
Yes — and this is where things get interesting.
Even though the home is marked STC, it is not legally sold, which means:
You can still express interest,
The seller can still consider your offer,
A stronger offer may shift the direction of the sale.
In the UK, this situation is called gazumping — when a new buyer comes in with a better offer after the first offer was accepted.
It’s frustrating for the original buyer, but completely legal before contracts are exchanged.
STC vs. SSTC — What’s the Difference?
You’ll sometimes see SSTC, which stands for:
“Sold Subject to Contract”
and
“Searches and Surveys Completed.”
It’s basically a stronger version of STC — the sale is progressing well, and major checks are finished.
Why STC Matters for Buyers
If you're a buyer, STC means:
The property is tentatively taken,
But it’s still worth keeping an eye on,
And if it’s your dream home, you can still register interest.
Homes fall through during STC more often than people realise, often due to financing issues, delays, or survey findings.
Being proactive here can land you a home you thought you’d missed.
Why STC Matters for Sellers
For sellers, STC offers:
A way to pause public marketing,
A period of due diligence,
Breathing room while legal work begins.
But it also means the sale isn’t locked in yet.
Many sellers keep backup buyers quietly noted — just in case.
Final Thoughts: STC Is the Bridge Between Hope and Completion
STC is that in-between world of the UK property market —
not the beginning,
not the end,
but the delicate bridge where deals are shaped.
It’s the promise before the paperwork.
The holding of breath before the signatures.
The moment where a home shifts from “for sale” to “almost yours.”
Understanding STC meaning gives buyers and sellers a huge advantage.
Because in the property world, clarity is power — and power leads to smart moves.