What Is an SOPP? (And How It Affects Your Sale in Sarnia)

 

If you're thinking about buying or selling a home in Sarnia-Lambton, chances are you've heard the term SOPP thrown around by agents or in listing remarks. But what exactly does it mean?

In this post, we’re breaking down what an SOPP (Sale of Purchaser’s Property) is, how it works, and what it means for buyers and sellers in our local real estate market.

 

 

What Is an SOPP?

 

An SOPP stands for Sale of Purchaser’s Property, and it's a condition in an offer that says:

 

"I'll buy your home, but only if I can sell mine first."

 

This condition gives buyers protection—so they’re not stuck owning two homes if their current property doesn’t sell. It’s a very common clause in Ontario real estate transactions, especially in balanced or slower markets like we sometimes see in certain parts of Sarnia-Lambton.

 

How an SOPP Works

 

Imagine someone in Bright’s Grove finds the perfect new home in Point Edward. They want to make an offer, but they still need to sell their current home. To reduce their risk, they include an SOPP in their offer. The seller can accept the offer with that condition, but there are usually time limits. A typical SOPP clause might give the buyer 30 to 60 days to sell their existing home. If they can’t do it in time, the deal may fall apart—or the seller may get the option to accept a different offer.

 

What Sellers in Sarnia Need to Know

 

If you’re selling your home and receive an offer with an SOPP, it’s important to know what you're agreeing to. While this kind of offer may work out just fine, it does carry a bit more uncertainty than a firm offer. You're tying up your property while the buyer tries to sell theirs—which means you might miss out on other serious buyers in the meantime. That’s why SOPP offers often include an escape clause (sometimes called a 48-hour clause). This allows the seller to continue showing the home and accept backup offers. If a better offer comes in, the original buyer typically has 24 to 72 hours to firm up their offer—usually by removing the SOPP condition—or step aside.

 

At Blue Coast Realty, we help our sellers navigate SOPP offers by evaluating:

 

• Whether the buyer’s home is already listed
  
  
• Its listing price and how it compares to the market
  
  
• How likely it is to sell quickly
  
  
• Whether it’s already conditionally sold
  
  

 

What Buyers Should Know About SOPPs

 

For buyers, an SOPP gives you time to sell your home and reduces financial risk—but in a competitive market, it can put you at a disadvantage.

In hot neighbourhoods like Lakeshore, Twin Lakes, or Heritage Park, sellers may be hesitant to accept an SOPP if they have other offers on the table.

 

If you need to include an SOPP, here are some ways to strengthen your offer:

 

• Have your home listed and well-priced before making offers
  
  
• Include a strong deposit
  
  
• Get pre-approved for financing
  
  
• Work with a local agent who can help time your purchase and sale effectively
  
  

 

How Common Are SOPPs in Sarnia-Lambton?

 

At Blue Coast Realty, we see SOPPs regularly, especially in mid-range price points or during slower market months. In some neighbourhoods, they’re quite common—while in faster-paced segments, they’re less likely to be accepted.

Every market is different, which is why it’s so important to have a local agent who knows how to negotiate the right terms for your situation.

 

 

An SOPP can be a useful tool—but it’s also one that requires careful timing, market knowledge, and good advice.

Whether you're buying your first home in Mitton Village or upgrading to a lakefront property in Bright’s Grove, our team at Blue Coast Realty is here to help you navigate the process with confidence.