Introduction: Why making the right offer matters in today’s UK housing market
With rising interest rates, tighter lending, and fluctuating property supply, knowing how to put in an offer on a house in 2025 can mean the difference between winning your dream home and missing out. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to move up the ladder, making an informed and strategic offer is key. This guide walks you through every step — from research to negotiation — so you can confidently make an offer that stands out.
Step 1: Prepare before you make an offer
The groundwork is crucial. Sellers are more likely to accept offers from buyers who are ready to move.
Get a Mortgage in Principle (MIP): Shows you're financially credible.
Appoint a solicitor or conveyancer: Saves time when your offer is accepted.
Proof of deposit: Documents showing funds available increase seller trust.
✅ How do you make an offer on a house? Start by gathering financial proof and legal representation. It strengthens your position from the start.
Step 2: Research local property prices
The best offers are backed by data. Before you decide how much to offer on a house, explore:
Similar properties recently sold (use Zoopla, Rightmove, HM Land Registry)
Time on market — longer = better room for negotiation
Price per square foot
Local demand trends
💡 Local experts like estate agents in Finchley can provide additional, area-specific insights.
Step 3: Decide how much to offer on a house
Don’t guess — consider:
Buyer’s or seller’s market?
Condition of the property?
Listing duration?
Competing offers?
💬 What % is a cheeky offer on a house? Around 5%–10% below the asking price may be seen as cheeky, depending on market conditions.
🧮 How much to offer on a house calculator: While tools exist online, use them alongside local insights for best accuracy.
Step 4: Understand the different types of offers
There are various ways to approach it:
Full asking price: Simple and effective in high-demand areas.
Below asking price: Try 5–10% lower if the property needs work or has been sitting.
Sealed bids: Submit your best offer without knowing others.
Sold STC (Subject to Contract): You can still make an offer, but it must be compelling.
🔍 Making an offer on a house UK template: Keep it professional, brief, and supported by documents.
Step 5: How to make an offer on a house
Offers are typically submitted via the estate agent. For maximum impact:
Put your offer in writing
Include MIP, proof of deposit, and solicitor info
Explain why you’re a strong buyer: chain-free? Flexible timelines?
Round to unusual numbers — £303,500 feels more specific than £300,000
📄 Making an offer on a house template:
Buyer name
Property address
Offer amount
Position summary (e.g., first-time buyer, mortgage approved)
Contact details of the solicitor
Step 6: How to negotiate effectively
Stay calm and calculated:
Emphasise being chain-free or ready to proceed
Flex on move-in dates or special terms
Keep your upper budget limit to yourself
Don’t let excitement lead to overbidding
📢 What do you say when making an offer on a house?
Be professional: “We’d like to offer £X, supported by our MIP and deposit funds. We're in a strong position to move quickly.”
Step 7: What happens after your offer is accepted?
It’s not over yet:
Ask for the listing to be marked "Under Offer" or "Sold STC"
Begin conveyancing
Arrange a RICS HomeBuyer Report or full building survey
Finalise your mortgage
⚠️ Watch for gazumping — a seller accepting a higher offer later. Contracts aren’t binding until exchange.
Step 8: Can you make an offer on a house sold STC?
Yes, but with sensitivity.
It’s legal in England and Wales
May upset the initial buyer
Your offer needs to be significantly stronger
📢 Putting an offer on a house, UK law allows this, but ethical considerations still apply.
Step 9: What if the survey reveals problems?
You have options:
Renegotiate the price
Request repairs
Walk away if too risky
📢 Making an offer on a house before selling yours UK? This is possible, but sellers may favour chain-free buyers.
Do you need a solicitor to make an offer?
Not legally, but highly advisable.
Your solicitor will:
Review contracts
Conduct local searches
Liaise with the seller’s solicitor
Raise pre-contract enquiries
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I offer below the asking price?
Yes, particularly if it’s been on the market a while or requires repairs.
Q: How do I submit a good offer on a house?
Submit in writing with your financials ready, and show flexibility or readiness to move.
Q: Is offering 10% below the asking price okay?
It depends on the market and property condition. It's on the cheekier end but not uncommon in slower markets.
Q: How much below market value do house buying companies offer?
Typically, 75–85% of the market value, based on speed and convenience for the seller.
Q: What is the rule of thumb for making an offer on a house?
Start 5–10% below your maximum budget, then adjust based on competition and survey findings.
Q: How to make an offer on a house, Reddit advice?
Reddit threads often recommend over-preparing, staying calm, and treating the negotiation as a business transaction.
Final tips to get your offer accepted
✅ Be prompt, responsive, and professional
✅ Maintain good rapport with the estate agent
✅ Be realistic — your best offer might not be the highest, but the strongest overall
✅ Stick to your financial limits — no home is worth buyer’s remorse
Closing thoughts: Securing your dream home at the right price
Making an offer on a home in the UK is more than numbers — strategy, timing, and presentation. Understanding the market, doing your homework, and communicating clearly put you in the strongest position to secure your ideal home. Whether you’re just starting or buying before selling, this guide helps ensure your offer stands out for the right reasons.