Conditional Offer

Understand what a conditional offer is in Canadian real estate, how it works, and what it means for buyers and sellers during a property transaction.

Conditional Offer

May 22, 2025


What is a Conditional Offer?

A conditional offer is an agreement to purchase a property that includes one or more conditions that must be met before the sale is finalized.

Why Conditional Offers Matter in Real Estate

Conditional offers are common in Canadian real estate and provide legal protection for both buyers and sellers. For buyers, these conditions create a safety net, allowing them to back out of the deal without penalty if specific requirements—like financing approval or a satisfactory home inspection—are not met.

Typical conditions include financing, home inspection, sale of the buyer’s current home, and review of condominium documents. Each condition includes a deadline by which it must be satisfied or waived. If the conditions are fulfilled, the offer becomes a firm contract; if not, the buyer may choose to walk away.

From the seller’s perspective, accepting a conditional offer may slow the transaction but can still lead to a secure and successful sale. Sellers may prefer firm offers in competitive markets but will often consider conditional ones if other aspects of the offer are favourable.

Understanding conditional offers is vital for structuring offers wisely, protecting against risk, and negotiating favourable terms during a home purchase.

Example of a Conditional Offer in Action

A buyer submits an offer on a home in Calgary for $620,000, conditional on securing mortgage financing and completing a home inspection within 10 days. Both conditions are satisfied, and the sale proceeds to closing.

Key Takeaways

  • Includes buyer-protective clauses that must be met for the sale to proceed.
  • Common conditions include financing and home inspection.
  • Offers flexibility and legal protection during the buying process.
  • Must include timelines for fulfilling or waiving conditions.
  • Becomes a binding contract once conditions are satisfied.

Related Terms

Additional Terms

Escalation Clause

An escalation clause is a contract provision in a real estate offer that automatically increases a buyer’s bid above competing offers up to a maximum. more

Downzoning

Downzoning is the process of changing zoning laws to reduce the allowable density, height, or land use intensity on a property or in a designated area.. more

Density Bonus

A density bonus is a planning incentive that allows developers to build more units or additional floor area than zoning normally permits, in exchange. more

Seismic Design

Seismic design is the engineering practice of designing structures to withstand forces from earthquakes and ground movement.. more

Load-Bearing Wall

A load-bearing wall is a structural wall that supports the weight of the building above it, transferring loads to the foundation.. more

Geotechnical Survey

A geotechnical survey is a field investigation and analysis of soil, rock, groundwater, and other subsurface conditions on a site to assess its. more

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