What Is a Conditional Offer on a House Sale in Ontario?

Conditional coordination means making a purchase offer conditional on the sale of the buyer’s current property, which protects a move-up buyer from being committed to a new home before their existing one has sold. It is one of three structures available — alongside selling first and buying first with bridge financing — and it comes with its own specific mechanics worth understanding before using it.

What a Sale-of-Buyer’s-Property Condition Looks Like

The offer to purchase includes a clause stating that the deal is conditional on the buyer’s current home selling, firm and unconditional, by a specified date. If that does not happen, the buyer can typically walk away from the purchase without penalty, depending on the exact wording of the condition.

How the Notice Clause Works

Many sellers will only accept this kind of condition alongside a notice clause, sometimes called a kick-out clause. If the seller receives another acceptable offer while the conditional buyer’s condition is still outstanding, the seller can issue notice — commonly with a window in the range of 24 to 72 hours depending on what is negotiated — giving the conditional buyer that window to remove their condition and firm up the deal, or step aside in favour of the new offer. The exact notice period is negotiated as part of the agreement and is not fixed by a single standard.

When Conditional Coordination Is the Right Tool

This structure tends to fit best when a seller is willing to accept the condition — often in a less competitive market — and the buyer wants to avoid both bridge financing costs and the risk of being without a home between closings. It is less likely to be accepted by a seller in a highly competitive listing situation.

Conditional Coordination vs. Bridge Financing vs. Selling First

Bridge financing allows a firm, unconditional purchase ahead of the sale, at a financing cost, with no risk of losing the target property to a notice clause. Selling first removes financing risk entirely but leaves the buyer searching for a home without a guaranteed timeline. Conditional coordination sits between the two — avoiding financing costs while still carrying some risk that a notice clause forces a faster decision than planned.

Quick Answers

Will every seller accept a sale-of-buyer’s-property condition?

No. Acceptance depends on the seller’s own situation and how competitive the listing is. It is more commonly accepted in less competitive market conditions.

What happens if I get a notice and my home has not sold yet?

Generally, the buyer must either remove the condition (accepting the financial risk of two homes) or step aside from the purchase, depending on the exact terms negotiated.

Is the notice period always 72 hours?

No. The notice period is negotiated as part of the agreement and commonly falls somewhere in the range of 24 to 72 hours, but it is not a fixed universal standard.

Is conditional coordination free compared to bridge financing?

It avoids bridge financing interest costs, but it is not without risk — specifically the possibility of a notice clause forcing an earlier decision than expected.

Should I use a real estate lawyer to review this condition?

Yes. The exact wording of a sale-of-buyer’s-property condition and any related notice clause has real consequences and should be reviewed by a real estate lawyer before signing.

Want the numbers that apply to your specific home or move? Get a free, no-obligation home value estimate at pambechard.com. Pam Bechard, Listing Strategist with Royal LePage RCR Realty, will follow up directly with the comparable sales behind your number.

About Pam Bechard

Pam Bechard is a Listing Strategist with Royal LePage RCR Realty, serving York Region and South Simcoe. With nearly 15 years of experience, her practice is built on verified local data, transparent process, and strategic guidance, not sales pressure. She works with sellers, buyers, downsizers, and relocators across Newmarket, Aurora, Bradford, East Gwillimbury, Innisfil, and surrounding communities.

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