How To Make An Offer On A House

Buying a house is a big step and can be daunting, especially as it’s one of the most expensive transactions you’ll ever make.

We’ve put together tips and guidance to help make the process of submitting and negotiating an offer a bit smoother.

How to Prepare and Make an Offer on a House

Preparation is Key

Before you make an offer on a house, thorough preparation is crucial. The more planning you do, the more confident and comfortable you’ll feel during negotiations.

Research the Local Market

Start by looking at the asking and sold prices of similar properties in the area. Compare properties of the same type and size to the one you’re interested in. This will give you a clearer idea of the market value and ensure you’re making a fair and competitive offer.

Get Your Finances in Order

If you're using a mortgage, speak with your lender or mortgage adviser to obtain an agreement in principle. Also, make sure you have enough savings for a full deposit before beginning your property search. This preparation will demonstrate to the estate agent and seller that you're financially ready, making you a more attractive buyer.

Estate agents are legally required to conduct due diligence to prevent money laundering, so be prepared to provide identification (e.g., passport or driving license) and proof of funds when making an offer.

Deciding How Much to Offer

Once you know your financial limits, consider your bidding strategy. You generally have two approaches:

1. Make Your First Offer Your Best Offer – If you want to stand out as a serious buyer, starting with your highest offer may help you avoid a prolonged negotiation.
2. Start with a Lower Offer – This gives you room to negotiate while still aiming for a great deal. However, be cautious not to go too low and risk losing the property to another buyer.

How to Submit an Offer

You can submit your offer by calling or visiting the estate agent’s office. It’s best to follow up in writing to ensure accuracy. The estate agent will ask about your financial situation and how quickly you can proceed with the purchase.

By law, estate agents must present every offer to the seller. They will then inform you whether your offer has been accepted or if further negotiation is needed.

If your offer is accepted—congratulations! If not, you may need to reassess your approach or enter further negotiations.

Tips for Getting Your Offer Accepted

Highlight Your Buying Position – First-time buyers with no chain are attractive to sellers looking for a quick sale. Make your position clear to stand out from other buyers.

Build a Relationship with the Estate Agent – Visit the office and have face-to-face discussions to ensure they understand your needs. A good relationship can help you get the best advice.

Act Fast – Show you’re serious by arranging a viewing quickly and submitting an offer promptly. Sellers appreciate motivated buyers.

Make a Competitive Offer – While negotiating is expected, an offer that’s too low might frustrate the seller and lead to a rejection. Try to avoid round numbers to reduce the chance of matching another bidder.

Secure Your Purchase – Once your offer is accepted, ask the seller to remove the property from the market. This helps reduce the risk of being outbid by another buyer.

After Your Offer is Accepted

Having your offer accepted is a big milestone, but the deal isn’t legally binding until contracts are exchanged.

Until then, there’s a risk of being gazumped (someone making a higher offer) or the seller pulling out. To reduce this risk, ask the seller to stop marketing the property. Keeping in touch with the estate agent and setting a realistic exchange date will help keep the process on track.

If you’re concerned about delays, keep in touch with your solicitor and the Estate Agent, communication is key to keeping the process smooth. With careful preparation and the right approach, you’ll soon be on your way to securing your dream home!

Paul Flitter MNAEA