Making an offer on a house doesn't need to be nerve-wracking. The process is straightforward: you make a verbal offer to the estate agent, who conveys it to the seller. If accepted, it's confirmed in writing. Nothing is legally binding until exchange — but getting the figure right from the start matters.
Step 1: Research comparable sold prices
Before deciding on your offer price, check HM Land Registry data to see what similar properties in the same street or postcode have actually sold for. Not asking prices — sold prices. Asking prices are aspirations; sold prices are reality.
What to compare:
- Same postcode or street — the more local the better
- Same property type — a terraced house to a terraced house
- Same number of bedrooms
- Same condition (approximately)
- Sold within the last 12–24 months — older data is less reliable in a moving market
Dom surfaces this data from HMLR automatically when you're looking at a property. You can also find it at the Land Registry website and Zoopla's sold prices section.
Step 2: Assess days on market
How long has the property been listed? Check the first listing date on Rightmove (look for "reduced" tags) or use a service like HomeTrack or ProperView that tracks listing history.
Under 30 days: The seller may have confidence in their price. Start closer to asking.
30–90 days: There's a conversation to be had. The market has spoken; a moderate reduction is reasonable.
90+ days: Something has put buyers off. It might be price, condition, or an issue that came up in a previous survey. Investigate before you offer, and reflect what you find in your figure.
Step 3: Factor in your mortgage in principle
Don't make an offer without a mortgage in principle. The estate agent will ask. More importantly, you need to know your maximum before you offer — emotional heat in the moment of making an offer can push you beyond what you can actually afford.
Your AIP should be at or above the offer price you're about to make.
Step 4: Make the offer
Call the estate agent. Tell them the figure you want to offer and any relevant context:
- "We're first-time buyers with no chain and a mortgage in principle for £230,000 — we'd like to offer £210,000."
- "We're cash buyers and can move quickly — our offer is £195,000."
Mention facts that make you a stronger buyer. Chain-free, cash buyers, and those who have already found a solicitor move faster, and sellers know it.
Confirm the offer in writing by email the same day.
Step 5: Negotiations
If the seller counters, you have options:
- Accept the counter — if it's within your budget and you want the property
- Stand firm — justify your position with the comparable data
- Meet in the middle — rarely necessary if your research is solid, but sometimes worth it on a property you love
- Walk away — if the seller won't move to a price that makes sense, another property will
Never offer more than you can afford. Never let enthusiasm override your numbers.
Sealed bids
If a property attracts multiple interested buyers, the estate agent may set a closing date for "best and final" offers in a sealed bid format. Each buyer submits their offer by a deadline, in a sealed envelope. The seller then chooses — usually, but not always, the highest offer.
In a sealed bid:
- Offer your genuine maximum — you get one shot
- Make your position as strong as possible — include your AIP, solicitor details, and a short personal statement if appropriate
- Odd numbers can help — £211,500 stands out from a wall of £210,000 offers and may tip the decision
- There's no guarantee — sellers sometimes reject sealed bids entirely and negotiate privately
This guide is information only. Dom does not provide financial, mortgage or legal advice. Always consult a qualified adviser for decisions specific to your circumstances.