Selling process
Offers in Excess Of (OIEO): What Does It Actually Mean?
"Offers in excess of" (OIEO) means the seller is inviting offers above a stated minimum figure — for example, "OIEO £300,000" signals they want more than £300,000. It is a pricing strategy to set a floor and encourage competitive bidding. In practice, buyers often still offer at or even below the figure, so OIEO does not guarantee a higher price — and over-using it can deter buyers who feel the guide is unrealistic.
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What OIEO means
"Offers in excess of" tells buyers the seller wants more than the quoted figure. "OIEO £300,000" means the seller is hoping for offers above £300,000 and is signalling that £300,000 is roughly their minimum expectation. It is a way of setting a floor while inviting competition to push the price up. It is most effective on a desirable property in a strong market, where genuine competition can take the price above the figure.
OIEO vs other pricing terms
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| OIEO (offers in excess of) | Wants offers above the figure |
| Offers over | Similar — invites bids above a base (common in Scotland) |
| OIRO (offers in region of) | Open to offers around the figure |
| Guide price | An indicative figure (common at auction) |
| POA (price on application) | Price given on request |
See what POA means for another common term.
Does OIEO actually work?
The honest answer is "sometimes". OIEO can encourage competitive bidding and set a clear floor in a hot market with multiple interested buyers. But in a normal or soft market, buyers frequently offer at — or even below — the OIEO figure, treating it as the asking price rather than a minimum. Worse, an unrealistic OIEO can deter buyers who feel the property is over-priced before they even view. So it is a tool, not a guarantee, and only works when the underlying price is realistic.
When to use it (and when not to)
OIEO suits a genuinely desirable property likely to attract competition — somewhere buyers will want to outbid each other. It is less effective for an ordinary home in a quiet market, where it can simply look like a high asking price. If you use it, set the figure at a level that is realistic and attractive (so it draws viewings) rather than aspirational (which deters them). As a buyer, treat OIEO as an invitation to research the property’s real value and offer accordingly — you are not obliged to bid above it.
Pricing strategy vs a guaranteed sale
OIEO is one of several open-market pricing tactics aimed at maximising price through competition — but all of them depend on attracting the right buyers and carry the usual open-market uncertainty. If your priority is certainty rather than squeezing the top figure, a cash sale sidesteps pricing games entirely: an agreed figure and a completion in 7-28 days, with no "will buyers bid above the guide?" risk. Know your accurate value and choose the approach that fits your priority.
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Written & reviewed by Lisa Hayes, Founder
Lisa Hayes is the founder of Ready Steady Sell and an independent UK home-selling expert with over a decade helping homeowners weigh cash house buyers, property investors and the wider fast house-sale industry — without pressure or hidden fees. Every guide is reviewed for accuracy under our editorial standards.
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Frequently asked questions
Straight answers, no sales talk
What does OIEO mean?
Offers in excess of — the seller is inviting offers above a stated minimum figure. "OIEO £300,000" means they want more than £300,000.
What is the difference between OIEO and offers over?
They are very similar — both invite bids above a base figure. "Offers over" is more common in Scotland; "OIEO" in England and Wales.
Do I have to offer above the OIEO price?
No. OIEO is an invitation, not a rule. Buyers often offer at or below the figure, especially in a normal market. Research the property’s value and offer accordingly.
Does OIEO get a higher price?
Sometimes, in a strong market with competing buyers. In a normal or soft market, buyers often offer at or below the figure, and an unrealistic OIEO can deter them.
What is the difference between OIEO and OIRO?
OIEO invites offers above the figure; OIRO ("offers in region of") signals the seller is open to offers around the figure, including slightly below.
Is OIEO a good strategy?
It can work for desirable properties likely to attract competition, but only if the figure is realistic. For certainty over the top price, a cash sale avoids pricing games.