In British Columbia, an accepted offer becomes a firm sale once all subjects (conditions) are removed in writing and delivered to the seller before the subject removal deadline.

If you’ve ever wondered whether “accepted” means “done deal,” you’re not alone. In BC real estate, the answer depends entirely on whether conditions are attached to the offer.

Accepted Offer vs. Firm Sale: What’s the Difference?

In BC real estate, an offer can be:

• Accepted with subjects (conditional)

• Subject-free (firm upon acceptance and communication)

Most residential offers in Abbotsford, Mission, and across the Fraser Valley are accepted with subjects. This means the buyer still has time to complete their due diligence before the contract becomes fully binding.

When an offer is accepted with subjects, it creates a conditional contract. The agreement exists — but it is not yet firm until those conditions are satisfied or waived.

What Are “Subjects” in BC Real Estate?

Subjects (also called conditions) are clauses that allow the buyer time to investigate and confirm the property works for their needs.

Common subjects include:

• Financing approval

• Home inspection

• Property disclosure review

• Strata document review (for condos/townhomes)

• Sale of the buyer’s existing home

Each offer includes a subject removal deadline — often around 5–10 business days, depending on the situation.

Can a Buyer Walk Away During the Subject Period?

Yes — but not simply because they change their mind.

In BC, buyers must make reasonable efforts and act in good faith to satisfy their conditions.

If, despite genuine effort, a subject cannot be satisfied (for example, financing cannot be secured or an inspection reveals concerns), the buyer may withdraw from the contract without penalty.

So, What Is a Firm Sale in BC Real Estate?

A firm sale occurs when:

• All subjects are removed in writing

• The signed subject removal is delivered to the seller before the deadline

• Both parties are fully bound by the contract

At this point, the agreement becomes legally enforceable.

If a buyer withdraws after subject removal without lawful cause, they may risk losing their deposit and could face further legal consequences.

What If There Are No Subjects?

If an offer is written subject-free, the sale becomes firm once:

• The seller signs the offer, and

• The buyer is notified of acceptance

In this case, the agreement is binding immediately upon acceptance.

Final Takeaway

In BC real estate, an accepted offer does not always mean a firm sale.

A contract becomes firm only after all subjects are removed in writing and delivered before the deadline — unless the offer was written subject-free from the start.

Understanding this distinction helps you make informed decisions and avoid costly misunderstandings during a transaction.

If you ever have questions about your contract timeline, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to help bring clarity to the process.