The property jargon confusing buyers and sellers across the UK

If you’ve ever found yourself nodding along while someone talks about “Private Treaty”, “exchange of contracts” or “SSTC”, you’re definitely not alone.

Our new research found that many people moving home still struggle to understand some of the most common property terminology used during the buying and selling process.

And honestly, it’s not hard to see why.

Moving home comes with legal paperwork, financial pressure, multiple parties and unfamiliar language – often all at the same time.

The property terms people understand least

The research surveyed 1,000 people across England and Wales who were selling, had recently sold, or were considering selling a property.

Some terms were widely understood:

• 67% said they knew exactly what “Completion” meant
• 57% fully understood “Auction”
• 56% understood “Exchange”

But many other phrases caused confusion.

The least understood included:

• Private Treaty
• SSTC
• Standard Enquiries

In fact:

• 26% said they were unsure what “Private Treaty” meant
• 21% were unclear on “Standard Enquiries”
• 19% did not understand “SSTC”

For many movers, it can sometimes feel like everyone else understands the process except them.

Why moving home feels stressful

The research also explored what people actually want from the moving experience.

The top priorities were surprisingly simple:

• 92% want reassurance the other party is committed to the sale
• 91% want a simple, easy-to-understand process
• 90% want greater certainty over when the sale will complete
• 89% want better communication between everyone involved
• 87% want a faster process from start to finish

In other words, people are not just buying or selling homes. They are looking for reassurance, clarity and confidence throughout the process.

Asking questions is completely normal

Estate Agents, Conveyancers and auction teams use these terms every day, so sometimes industry language naturally slips into conversations.

But if something sounds confusing, ask.

A good property professional should always be happy to explain:

• what a term means
• what happens next
• how long things may take
• where delays can happen
• what your options are

There is absolutely no expectation that buyers and sellers should already understand every part of the moving process.

More people are looking for certainty when moving

The research also found growing interest in methods of sale that offer:

• clearer timelines
• upfront information
• committed buyers
• more transparency
• fewer surprises later in the transaction

After learning more about The Modern Method of Auction (MMoA):

• 68% of people had a positive view of it
• many associated it with speed, transparency and certainty

As the property market evolves, more buyers and sellers are looking for ways to make moving feel simpler, clearer and more secure.

Property jargon doesn’t have to feel overwhelming

From “SSTC” to “Private Treaty”, property language can sometimes feel like a different language entirely.

That’s exactly why we created our glossary of property and auction terms – to help make moving home simpler, clearer and less stressful.