5 tips on making an offer on your dream house

House

You’ve found the one — the home you’ve been picturing yourself in. Now what? Making an offer can feel terrifying when you’ve never done it before, but don’t stress. Here’s how it works, step-by-step, with zero judgment and zero estate agent lingo.

Work Out What You Can Afford

Before anything else, check how much your mortgage lender is willing to give you — this is your Agreement in Principle (aka AIP).

• Know your budget

• Factor in your deposit

• Don’t forget legal fees, stamp duty (if applicable), and moving costs

Hot Tip: Just because you’re offered a big mortgage doesn’t mean you should spend all of it.

Research the Value of the house

Don’t just take the asking price at face value.

• Look at similar properties that recently sold in the same area

• Check how long the house has been on the market

• Ask the estate agent if there have been other offers or price drops

• Request that the agent asks the seller if there are any known title issues with the property. This will come out in the legal pack, but it's better to know beforehand
  

Knowledge = power when negotiating.

Tell the Estate Agent You Want to Make an Offer

You can call or email — either way, it should be in writing eventually.

Be clear:

“I’d like to offer £XXX for the property at [address]. I’m a first-time buyer with an AIP in place and no chain, so I can move quickly.”

Hot tip: Mention that you’re chain-free. Sellers love that.

Negotiate (If You Want To)

If your offer isn’t accepted right away, don’t panic.

• You can increase your offer

• Ask what the seller is looking for (timing, amount, conditions)

• Be polite, but firm — you’re allowed to negotiate!

  
  

It’s a business deal, not a personal rejection

Offer Accepted? Amazing — Now It Gets Real

The estate agent will confirm your offer in writing.

Next steps:

• Instruct a solicitor or conveyancer

• Finalise your mortgage application

• Book a survey

• Start the legal process (searches, contracts, etc.)

  
  

🎉 You’re officially on your way to owning your first home

A Few Extra Tips:

• Never feel pressured to offer more than you’re comfortable with

• Always put your offer in writing

• Don’t skip your own research — agents represent the seller, not you

Making an offer can feel scary, but it’s honestly just a series of steps. Stay calm, ask questions, and know that everyone feels a bit clueless the first time. You’ve got this!