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Making an Offer on a Property
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How do I put in an offer on a property?
To make an offer on a house, contact the estate agent by phone or email with the amount you’re willing to pay.
It helps to check recent sale prices nearby and have your finances ready.
You can go in at the asking price or below, depending on the market.
If the seller accepts, the sale moves forward, but the offer isn’t legally binding until contracts are exchanged.
Prepare
When buying a home, your estate agent will want to make sure you have the necessary funds to proceed with the purchase. To prove this, they’ll ask for an agreement in principle. They’ll also need to run their own anti-money laundering checks, which means you’ll have to provide evidence of your address and identification.
Some agents may try to sell you additional products and services, like their in-house mortgage advisor, but many home buyers are savvy enough to recognise these tactics and won’t be intimidated.
Build relationships
If you’re a first-time buyer with no chain, you might be a desirable candidate for property sellers who are looking to move quickly. To increase your chances of being chosen over other potential buyers, make it clear that you’re in a good position to buy.
Additionally, taking the time to understand the seller’s motivations for selling and their future plans can give you leverage when negotiating the purchase price.
Showing empathy for the seller’s attachment to the property, especially if you plan to raise a family there, can also help build a positive relationship. Avoid being overly critical of the property, as the seller likely knows its strengths and weaknesses.
Act quickly
It’s best to be the first to request a viewing if you’re interested in a property. You can make an offer by either calling the estate agent’s office or visiting in person. The estate agent is required by law to pass on all offers received to the seller and will inform you if your offer has been accepted.
Showing the estate agent your agreement in principle, identification, and other supporting documents should be sufficient to proceed. If the estate agent suggests otherwise, it’s recommended that you inform them you will negotiate directly with the seller.
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Put a price on it
Remember to never offer more than what the property is worth or more than you can afford.
The strategies that are commonly used are either;
1) Make your first offer your best offer to show that you are a serious buyer and to avoid a lengthy negotiation process.
2) Begin with a lower offer and leave some room for negotiation if your initial offer is declined.
Be confident
When making an offer on a property, don’t feel the need to apologise if it is not at the asking price. Your offer should reflect what you are willing to pay for the property.
If your initial offer is rejected, don’t worry, home sellers often have a minimum price in mind and are looking to get the highest possible sale price to purchase a new home.
Before making a second offer, find out if other offers have been made and if they are higher than yours. This information will help you determine how much to increase your offer. Remember to consider your budget and additional fees, such as stamp duty, when deciding how much to offer. Ultimately, the goal is to reach a mutually agreeable price for both parties.
After your offer is accepted
It’s important to note that an accepted offer is not legally binding until contracts are exchanged.
It’s also a good idea to request that the property be taken off the market immediately to avoid other offers being put forward.
Once your offer is accepted you should contact your mortgage advisor to complete your application and speak to your solicitor to set a realistic target date for exchange.
