“Sale of Property” Clauses Are Back – Here’s How to Use Them Properly in 2025
🧱 Blog Headings:
Why Are SOP Conditions Making a Comeback?
What Buyers Need to Know Before Submitting an SOP Offer
What Sellers Should Do When They Receive One
What a Smart SOP Strategy Actually Looks Like
Final Word: These Clauses Work—If You Work Them Properly
OR WATCH IT HERE (Youtube)
Let’s be clear – “Sale of Property” (SOP) conditions are back in a big way.
If you're buying or selling a home under $1.2 million in Southern Ontario in 2025, you're going to see them. They're not rare anymore. In a more balanced market, they're part of how deals get done.
But here’s the thing: they only work if everyone handles them properly. Most don’t. Here’s how to do it right.
🔄 Why Are SOP Conditions Making a Comeback?
Because the market has cooled from the insanity of 2021–2022.
We’ve moved from bidding wars and firm offers to a climate where many homes sit a little longer, and buyers have time to breathe.
That breathing room has brought back all the conditions we used to see — financing, inspection… and yes, SOP. If you have a house to sell before you can buy, this clause lets you do that safely.
In 2024 and 2025, especially under $1.2M, SOP conditions are more common than people think — especially in places like Burlington, Hamilton, Oakville, and the Niagara region.
🧠 What Buyers Need to Know Before Submitting an SOP Offer
This isn’t a “maybe” clause. It’s a commitment.
If you’re making an offer with a Sale of Property condition, here’s what needs to happen before the pen hits the paper:
✅ You’ve got a signed listing agreement
✅ Your home is priced sharply — no wish pricing
✅ Photos are done or booked
✅ Any staging, painting, yard work is ready to go
If you don’t have your own house ready to hit the market in 24–48 hours? Don’t expect your SOP offer to get taken seriously.
Also, expect to sweeten the deal in other areas. Higher price, fewer other conditions, strong deposit. You’re asking the seller to take a risk. Make it worth their while.
And don’t forget to talk to your lender. Bridge financing might become your backup plan if the seller triggers the escape clause.
🔎 What Sellers Should Do When They Receive One
Just because SOP offers are common, doesn’t mean you accept them blindly.
Here’s what to do if you’re reviewing one:
Investigate the buyer’s home. Where is it? Is it listed? What’s the asking price? Are the photos good? Any staging?
Study their market. What’s selling in that area? What’s the average DOM and months of inventory? How competitive is their price bracket?
Preview the property. Go see it. Yes, really. It matters.
Get a full report. If their property isn’t going to sell fast, you’re tying up your listing for no good reason.
And don’t be shy about countering.
You can say yes to the SOP, but only if they agree to repaint some rooms, get new photos, drop their price, or re-list with better marketing. You’re allowed to make the deal better for you — that’s called negotiating.
Also, never accept an SOP without a 48-hour escape clause. It gives you flexibility if a better offer comes in. You need that.
📈 What a Smart SOP Strategy Actually Looks Like
I recently had one of these. The buyer submitted an SOP offer — but I saw their listing: outdated photos, wild paint colours, bad staging, and no effort made to promote upgrades.
So I signed it back and added:
They repaint three bedrooms and one bathroom
Use a professional photographer (I gave them one)
Drop the price another $10K
Cancel and re-list within 3 days
They agreed. That’s how you play the game.
Whether you’re the buyer or the seller, your job is the same: do your due diligence and move fast. These clauses can work — but only if everyone stays on top of it.
✅ Final Word: These Clauses Work—If You Work Them Properly
SOP conditions aren’t a sign of weakness.
They’re a tool — and tools are only as good as the people using them.
If you’re buying and need to sell first, that’s fine. But your home needs to be ready to go. If you’re selling and get an SOP offer, dig into the buyer’s situation and don’t be afraid to negotiate the terms.
And no matter which side you’re on — get an agent who’s not afraid to do the legwork.
Got questions about SOP clauses or offers on your table right now?
📩 Reach out anytime. I’m always happy to walk you through it — without the sales pitch.
