When making an offer on a home there are two types of offers: conditional and unconditional.
Conditional offers
A conditional offer is one that includes certain conditions that must be met before the sale of the property goes through. This type of offer is still a binding contract, however, if any of the conditions aren’t met you can choose not to go through with the purchase.
Examples of conditions you might stipulate are:
- the sale being subject to you securing finance from a specific bank
- a satisfactory building and pest inspection by an independent contractor
- confirmation that external structures on the property have been council permitted
- the bank valuation meets the purchase price.
Unconditional offers
An unconditional offer is an outright offer to purchase a property that has no stipulations in order for the sale to go through and is legally binding. Unconditional offers are typically made at auctions.
Before you make an unconditional offer it’s critical you are 100% sure the property is the one you want and that you have the money, or a guaranteed loan amount, to purchase it. Your lending institution may also offer conditional and unconditional loans so make sure you’re clear if your loan is guaranteed or subject to other conditions.
Whether you’re putting in a conditional or unconditional offer on a property it’s advisable to speak with a solicitor or conveyancer before signing any contracts.
Happy house hunting!
