Do I need a solicitor to make an offer?

No, you don't need a solicitor to make the initial offer. You can make offers directly through the estate agent. However, you will need to instruct a conveyancer or solicitor once your offer is accepted to handle the legal aspects of the purchase.

Can I withdraw my offer after it's been accepted?

Yes, you can withdraw your offer at any time before exchanging contracts without a legal penalty. However, this may damage your relationship with the seller and estate agent, and you might lose money spent on surveys or legal fees.

What happens if two people make identical offers?

The seller will usually consider other factors beyond price, such as your position as a buyer (chain-free, cash buyer, etc.), your flexibility on timing, and how quickly you can proceed. This is why highlighting your advantages is important.

How to make an offer on a house: complete guide 2025

Once you’ve found a house you want, it’s time to make an offer. But how do you make an offer and how much should you offer? We explain the best way to make an offer on a house and negotiate effectively.

Last updated 24 Nov 2025

Illustration of three terrace homes with green front doors, wide windows and potted plants in the front.

Key takeaways

Research similar property prices in the area before making an offer to understand market value

Getting a Mortgage in Principle (MIP) shows sellers you're a serious buyer

First offers are typically 5-10% below asking price unless there's high competition

Estate agents must legally present all offers to sellers

Neither verbal nor written offers are legally binding until contracts are exchanged

How to make an offer on a house

Making an offer on a house is both exciting and nerve-wracking – especially when you’re unsure how much to offer or what steps to take. The good news? With the right approach, you can make a compelling offer to give you the best chance of getting it accepted and avoid overpaying.

Whether you’re wondering “how much should I offer on a house?” or “what’s the best way to put in an offer?”, this guide covers everything you need to know. From the initial research and preparation to negotiation tactics.

Let’s break down exactly how to make an offer on a house:

Before making an offer on a house

Before diving in headfirst with offers, there are a few steps to take that will put you in the strongest possible position. Proper preparation is what separates successful buyers from those who overpay or miss out.

Do your research

Define your requirements clearly

Consider what you want – location, size, condition, property type, and anything else important. Make a wish list of must-haves and nice-to-haves. Know what's non-negotiable and what you can be flexible on.

Ask yourself things like:

How many bedrooms/bathrooms do I need?
Urban or rural area?
Is it important to have a garage?
What kind of garden do I need?
Move-in ready or fixer-upper?
Will I need a home office?

Research local house prices

Research house prices in the same area using the Land Registry sold property tool or Zoopla. This gives you a sense of market rates and how much you may need to offer.

Look at both current asking prices and recently sold prices for similar properties.

Pay attention to how long properties are staying on the market in your target area. If houses are selling fast, you'll need to move fast and potentially offer closer to asking price. If they're lingering, you might have more negotiating power.

And if you're doing this for the very first time, check out our first-time buyers guide.

Being flexible widens options but stick to your non-negotiables.

Know your financial position

Figuring out your budget before making an offer is key. Unless you're a cash buyer, you'll likely need to secure a mortgage and understanding your financial position gives you confidence and credibility.

Get a mortgage in principle

Getting a mortgage in principle (MIP) gives a good sense of what you can borrow. You can get an MIP for free from most lenders. They'll usually have an online tool. You'll just need to provide some basic information about yourself and your financials, and they'll give you a rough idea of what they might lend you.

Learn more: A full guide to mortgages

Calculate your budget

Also remember that you need to consider all of the costs of buying a house, and make sure you can afford more than just the mortgage deposit. Factor in:

Survey costs
Legal fees (conveyancing)
Stamp duty (if applicable)
Moving costs
Immediate repairs or improvements

This preparation ensures you know exactly how much you can afford to offer and prevents you from making commitments you can't keep.