Short answer: A multi-offer situation exists when more than one buyer makes an offer at the same time. The agent must deal fairly with parties, present written offers and explain the process, while the seller chooses how to respond with legal advice where needed.
Understand what a multi-offer process is
The Real Estate Authority's guidance explains that strong demand can result in more than one buyer making an offer and that all parties must be dealt with fairly. A multi-offer process is not a promise that every buyer will improve price or terms. It is a process for handling simultaneous written interest.
Ask the agent to explain the agency's process before offers are presented. Do not assume the seller or one buyer can see another buyer's confidential terms. Keep the decision focused on the written offers, professional advice and the seller's own objectives.
Compare the whole written offer
Record price alongside deposit, conditions, dependencies, condition dates, settlement and included chattels. A higher price may carry more uncertainty or a less workable date. The workspace displays differences but deliberately does not score or rank the buyer or offer.
Ask the lawyer to review the agreement before the seller signs or counters. Confirm how changes are recorded and communicated. A verbal summary is not a substitute for the written terms, and a website cannot interpret the legal effect of a condition.
Keep seller choices visible
The seller may decide according to the offers and advice available, but should understand the effect of acceptance, rejection or counter-offer. Ask the agent and lawyer what happens to other offers if one is countered or accepted. Keep a dated record of which document the seller decided on.
Do not create urgency by inventing competing offers or by suggesting a buyer is guaranteed to miss out. Fair dealing and accurate communication matter to both sides. Any conflict of interest, related-party issue or unusual process should be raised promptly.
Move from selection to condition management
Once an offer is signed, copy condition and settlement dates exactly from the agreement and confirm them with the lawyer. Stop treating the unsuccessful offers as a campaign benchmark. The operational focus shifts to the signed agreement and its requirements.
If a buyer does not satisfy a condition, or a deadline may change, obtain legal advice. The website can organise dates entered by the seller but does not calculate contractual time, issue notices or determine remedies.
- Written price, deposit and conditions
- Dependencies and condition dates
- Settlement and chattels
- Lawyer review before signing or countering
Put this guide into your private workspace
Use these connected tools to record your own facts and questions. Values stay private and are never sent to an agent without a separate reviewed contact action.
Frequently asked questions
Does a seller have to accept the highest offer?
The decision depends on the written offers and the seller's position. Price is only one term, and legal advice may be needed.
Can buyers see each other's offers?
Do not assume terms are shared. Ask the agent to explain the process and confidentiality clearly.
Will the workspace recommend an offer?
No. It organises written inputs and never ranks a buyer or tells the seller which offer to accept.
Official sources
Sources were accessed and checked on 21 August 2026. Keep the live source and current professional advice as authority if rules or circumstances change.