Step 8 · 1–5 days
Make an offer
Submit a written offer with conditions that protect you — usually finance and building report clauses, sometimes a LIM or valuation. Your lawyer reviews the contract before you sign.
How to approach it
Choose between a conditional offer (safer — you can walk if conditions fail) or an auction / unconditional offer (stronger to a seller but riskier for you). Decide your maximum price, conditions and possession date in advance, then stick to them.
Watch out for
Auctions are usually unconditional — you can't add finance or building report clauses, and you pay the deposit on the day. Never bid above your True Budget, no matter the energy in the room.
Cost & timeframe
Typical cost
Legal fees
Typical time
1–5 days
Common questions
What conditions should I include?
Finance and a satisfactory building report are standard. Consider a LIM, valuation or limeworks/code-of-compliance condition depending on the property.
Can I withdraw a conditional offer?
Yes, if a condition genuinely fails and you've acted in good faith. Get your lawyer to confirm the withdrawal in writing.