How Do Special Conditions (e.g., Subject to Finance, Building, Pest) Impact the Sale Timeline and Risk on the Gold Coast?
When selling your property on the Gold Coast, it’s not just about getting a great offer—it’s also about what’s attached to that offer. That’s where special conditions come in.
If your contract includes terms like “subject to finance,” “subject to building and pest,” or other buyer protections, they can significantly influence how long the sale takes, and how much risk you carry as the seller.
Here’s what you need to know to navigate special conditions confidently.
✅ What Are Special Conditions in a Property Sale?
Special conditions are contract clauses that give buyers time to complete certain tasks before committing fully to the purchase.
Common special conditions include:
- Subject to Finance: Buyer has time to secure loan approval
- Subject to Building & Pest: Buyer arranges inspections and can withdraw if issues are found
- Subject to Sale: Buyer needs to sell their current home before proceeding
- Due Diligence Clauses: Buyer wants time to research zoning, council approvals, or body corporate records
These conditions create a buffer between acceptance and unconditional contract status.
⏳ How Special Conditions Affect the Sale Timeline
A contract doesn’t become legally binding until all conditions are satisfied. This creates a conditional period that typically lasts:
| Condition Type | Typical Timeframe |
| Finance | 14–21 days |
| Building & Pest | 7–14 days |
| Due Diligence | 7–14 days |
| Subject to Sale | Up to 30+ days |
⚠️ What Risks Do These Conditions Pose for Sellers?
1. Extended Uncertainty – You’re in limbo while the buyer organises inspections or financing, which can delay moving plans or restrict your ability to accept other offers.
2. Contract Termination – If a condition isn’t met (e.g. finance is declined, or major defects are found), the buyer can legally exit the deal—and you’re back to square one.
3. Reduced Leverage – Once under contract, other buyers are sidelined. If the current deal falls through, you may miss momentum or market opportunities.
🧠 Smart Ways to Reduce Risk as a Seller
✅ Pre-List Building & Pest Inspections – By addressing issues before listing, you reduce surprises and negotiation delays.
✅ Vet the Buyer’s Finance Situation – Ask your agent to confirm pre-approval and lender timelines to spot red flags early.
✅ Use Tight Timeframes – 7–14 day windows keep things moving and limit buyer hesitation.
✅ Include Sunset Clauses – If a condition isn’t met by a set date, the contract terminates automatically—protecting you from endless delays.
🤝 How These Clauses Affect Negotiation Power
Sometimes a higher offer with multiple conditions is riskier than a slightly lower, cleaner offer.
For example:
| Offer A | Offer B |
| $1,050,000 + subject to sale | $1,020,000, unconditional |
| High price, high uncertainty | Lower price, faster, guaranteed |
You’ll need to weigh price vs certainty. A seasoned agent can help guide you through those trade-offs.
👉 Pro Tip: Sometimes, the “safe” contract wins the race.
🧾 Should I Accept an Offer With Special Conditions?
Not all conditions are bad—they’re normal in Queensland contracts, especially for owner-occupiers. But here’s what to consider:
Ask yourself:
- Has the buyer got written pre-approval?
- Are they willing to keep the finance period short?
- Is their building/pest inspector reputable and quick?
- Can we add conditions to protect you as the seller?
🧰 Tools to Make it Easier
Working with an experienced agent, I use:
- Pre-offer screening
- Conditional contract templates
- Clear communication with buyers and solicitors
- Proactive timelines
This ensures your property moves swiftly through conditional to unconditional—with minimal risk.
💬 Let’s Structure Your Sale Right
I help sellers all over the Gold Coast navigate:
- Complex conditional contracts
- High-pressure timelines
- Strategic negotiation
If you’re thinking about selling and want to know how conditions could impact your specific property, reach out today.
❓ FAQs About Special Conditions
1. Can a buyer cancel the contract during the finance or inspection period?
Yes. If they can’t get finance or find serious defects, they can usually terminate without penalty.
2. What happens if the buyer tries to extend the condition period?
You don’t have to agree. You can hold them to the original deadline or terminate the contract.
3. What if they ask for repairs after a building inspection?
You can negotiate repairs, offer a price reduction, or stand firm. It’s all negotiable.
4. How common are these conditions on the Gold Coast?
Very common—especially among first-home buyers and owner-occupiers.
5. Can I market my home to other buyers while under a conditional contract?
Generally, yes, but you can’t accept another offer unless the first contract collapses.
Selling smart on the Gold Coast means knowing the contract inside out.
Let me help you manage conditions, timelines, and expectations—so you close with confidence.
More Smart Seller Questions Answered
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Author – Craig Douglas
Please Note: The information contained in this document is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The laws and regulations governing the sale of property in Queensland are complex and constantly changing. It is important to seek the advice of a qualified property lawyer or conveyancer before making any decisions about the sale of your property. This document does not take into account your individual circumstances and may not apply to your situation. By reading this document you agree that you have not relied on the information contained herein and that you will seek independent legal advice before taking any action.
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This page was proudly created by Craig Douglas, your local independent Gold Coast real estate agent, working for a Boutique Real Estate Agency. Selling residential and commercial properties, from those that are awe-inspiring, through to a diamond-in-the-rough, otherwise known as a “renovator’s delight”.
I negotiate and sell on behalf of property owners who want to get the best possible price, with the least amount of hassle. Let’s talk about the process of selling your property over a coffee to get you started – 0418 189 963
