can you offer on two properties at the same time?

[ClueLessFirstTime]

have seen some houses that would do for us.
2 very close in the same street.
could we offer on both and retract offer once one has been accepted?
houses are very similar in space and layout...

Why would you do this? Are properties moving very quickly in your area?

yes, it's a good area so houses go quickly.

I wouldn't personally. The agents are likely to find out (they all talk to each other) and will conclude that neither offer should be taken seriously as you might decide you prefer the other.

I'd offer on the one you prefer, but tell the agent of the other one that you are keen and will want to offer on that one if you can't get the other. be honest.

Yes offer on the one you prefer but say you need an answer that day as you will be offering on another property the following day if you don't hear.

I've offered on two similar properties at once.

The agent(s) won't like it (if they find out) - but my answer was that I would buy whichever property was able to accept my offer and complete the quickest.

I pointed out to the one estate agent that called that I had been gazumped twice before by other sellers and so I was now just hedging against the risk of this happening again.

Its a buyers market in most areas - so why not.

Thank you for your thoughts.
they are with the same agent, so we will just be honest with them, I think.