Negotiating a lower price – how low do you go?

‘Do you think I can secure the house under the asking price, and how low can I go?’ are two of the most popular questions we are asked as a buying agent. During the market frenzy of Covid, securing a home for under the asking price was pretty much an impossible task. This was especially true for the good quality houses in the sought after locations, as the race for space meant demand far outweighed supply. However, with mortgage rates rising since the Mini Budget last Autumn, the tide has most definitely turned now, putting the balance of power in favour of buyers and haggling on price a little more possible.

What we’re seeing at the moment is that the difference between buyer and seller expectations has been steadily growing throughout this year. There is a price correction between the property market peak of 2021 and now. Many sellers believe they’re still in the market of 2022, whilst buyers are thinking more 2020/21, mainly fuelled by the pressures of increased mortgage rates and general cost of living. Purchasers are definitely more wary now as a result, and if they feel anything is wrong with the location or house itself, they want to haggle on price.

According to Hamptons, one of the UK’s largest estate agents, 54% of homes across England & Wales sold below their asking price in July, up from 47% in June and 34% in July last year. Price reductions have also reached their highest level in at least nine years, with buyers achieving a 4.5% discount average last month. We are seeing similar trends, as sellers realise that if they want to sell quickly, they need to be realistic about what is happening in the current market.

Currently, we are securing properties for buyers at guide price or slightly under, which wouldn’t have happened even a year ago. This is because demand in and around the waterside and rural villages of Chichester, Midhurst and Petworth is still as strong as it has been, whilst good quality houses are scarce.

So how can you maximise your chances of having a lower offer accepted?

It’s important to remember that a house is only worth what somebody is prepared to pay for it. Just because it’s been set at a particular asking price does not mean that that is the correct value. There are a number of factors to consider when making an offer, which takes into consideration things like the seller’s circumstances, location and if there are major works that need doing. With this knowledge, buyers can then make an offer – whether at guide or below it. Go too low however, and you risk losing out entirely, which is where the benefit of having a buying agent on side plays a vital role.

Our tips include putting the offer in its best light and explaining the circumstances. If you are a cash buyer for example, you are in a very good position in the current market. Vendors, particularly those who need to sell quickly, are choosing the buyer who has the ability to purchase over who is offering the highest price. This is because with funds ready in the bank, cash buyers can move forwards quickly and there is less risk of the sale falling through. Another good factor to include is if you are happy to be flexible on a completion date. Exchange can happen as soon as you can, but a long completion date can give a seller more time to find something else. This also then makes them a proceedable buyer, putting them in good stead for their onward purchase.

For more information about how Property Acquisitions can help you find your next home in West Sussex, contact Jennie Hancock at info@propertyacquisitions.co.uk.