What is it?
A sale-of-property condition says “I will buy this home if my current home sells by a set date.” It is one of the conditions that can go into a conditional offer (an offer with conditions).
RECO (the Real Estate Council of Ontario, which regulates agents) advises making your offer conditional, if possible, on the sale of your existing home, along with financing and a home inspection.
What does it mean for buyers and sellers?
| Upside | Downside | |
|---|---|---|
| Buyer | No forced closing on the new home if the current one does not sell | May look weaker in a bidding war |
| Seller | May accept it if the price is good | Their deal hangs on someone else’s sale and must wait until the deadline to go firm |
The wording, the deadline and any clause the seller asks for in return differ in every agreement. Check with a lawyer.
Buying without this condition
- Sell first, then buy. The risk then is that the two closing dates do not line up.
- Buy first, then sell. If your current home sells late, you may carry both homes for a while. Ask your lender whether bridge financing (a short loan between closings) is possible.
- RECO says to have a plan in case the closing date on your new home does not match when you need to move out of your existing home.
What the law and official sources say
Quotes are copied word for word. The "In plain words" lines are our explanation, not an official translation.
If possible, make your offer conditional on mortgage financing, a home inspection, the sale of your existing home, or other factors that are important to you. These conditions can provide you with additional assurances and protection.In plain wordsIn plain words: if you can, make your offer depend on things that matter to you, such as financing, an inspection or selling your current home. Conditions give you extra protection.
Source: reco.on.ca/consumers/information-for-buyers/buyers-checklist/ · checked Nov 7, 2026
Does your closing date on your new home align with when you need to move out of your existing home? Have a contingency plan in place in case the dates don’t match up.In plain wordsIn plain words: check that your new home’s closing date matches when you must leave your current home, and have a backup plan if it does not.
Source: reco.on.ca/consumers/information-for-buyers/buyers-checklist/ · checked Nov 7, 2026
Common questions
Does a sale-of-property condition make my offer harder to accept?
It depends on the seller. With competing offers, an offer with fewer conditions can look more attractive. Weigh the market and how likely your home is to sell with your agent.
Is it safer to sell first, then buy?
The risk is just different. Selling first lowers the risk of carrying two homes, but you may need to move before you find a home, or the dates may not line up. RECO says to have a backup plan in case the dates do not match.
Guides that use this term
Sources checked
- RECO, Buyer’s checklist · checked Nov 7, 2026