Making an Offer on a House: How Much Below Asking Price Can You Go? (UK 2025 Guide)
Wondering how much to offer below asking price in the UK? Learn the best strategies for making an offer on a house in 2025, what’s considered reasonable, and when to negotiate hard.
Introduction: Why Your First Offer Matters
You’ve found a property you love. The asking price is £295 000—but should you offer full price or go in lower?
In the UK property market it’s common (and often expected) to offer below asking price —but how much is too much and how low is too cheeky?
In this definitive 2025 guide we break down:
How to make an offer on a house in the UK
How far below asking price you can realistically go
When to push when to hold back and how to make your offer stand out
And why your personal circumstances seller motivation and market conditions matter more than ever
Can You Offer Below Asking Price in the UK?
Yes. The asking price is just that—a starting point . Sellers (and estate agents) often price slightly above market value anticipating negotiation.
In fact:
Around 70% of UK buyers in 2024 offered under the asking price according to Zoopla
The average discount accepted across the UK is currently 3–6% but can reach 10%+ in slower markets
How Much Below Asking Price Can You Offer?
Asking Price | Market Condition | Typical Offer Range |
|---|---|---|
£200 000 | Buyer’s market | £180 000 – £190 000 (5–10% below) |
£350 000 | Balanced market | £332 500 – £342 000 (2–5% below) |
£500 000 | Hot/seller’s market | £495 000 – full price (1–2% below or full ask) |
In 2025 a reasonable opening offer is typically 3–5% below asking adjusted based on competition and local conditions.
How to Make an Offer on a House in the UK (Step-by-Step)
Get Your Finances in Order
Have a mortgage in principle or proof of funds ready.
Know your maximum budget —not just your ideal.
Research the Property
How long has it been on the market?
Have there been any price reductions?
What did similar homes nearby sell for?
Use tools like Rightmove Sold Prices Land Registry and WiseNest’s area insights .
Assess the Market
Is it a buyer’s or seller’s market in that postcode?
Are similar homes selling fast or sitting for weeks?
Decide Your Offer Strategy
Opening offer 3–5% below asking (or more if there are clear flaws or no competition)
Verbal offer first then follow with email confirmation
Justify your offer with logic not emotion
Add Non-Financial Value
Let the agent know if you’re:
Chain-free
Mortgage approved
Flexible with timelines
Able to move quickly
Example Offer Scenarios
Scenario 1: Slow-Moving Property
Asking Price: £375 000
On the market for 90+ days
Cosmetic issues no other offers
Suggested Offer : £350 000 (6.6% below asking)
Scenario 2: Competitive First-Time Buyer Area
Asking Price: £290 000
Fresh to market multiple viewings
Highly rated school nearby
Suggested Offer : £285 000 or full asking to compete
Scenario 3: Seller Wants a Quick Sale
Asking Price: £225 000
Seller relocating abroad
Chain-free buyer
Suggested Offer : £212 000 (6% below) + fast exchange date
Common Offer Mistakes to Avoid
Going too low without justification (agents will see it as unserious)
Bidding above budget emotionally then struggling with financing
Not putting it in writing —always follow up verbally agreed offers by email
Ignoring red flags in the property survey —these can be used to renegotiate later
Bonus Tip: Use Your Survey as a Second Negotiation Tool
If your offer is accepted but the RICS survey finds issues (e.g. damp roof repairs) you can request a price reduction—even after agreement.
Should You Offer the Full Asking Price?
Sometimes yes. Particularly if:
It’s a seller’s market
There are multiple buyers
You want to stand out as serious
The asking price already reflects good market value
In these cases consider offering the full amount —or even slightly above (e.g. £500–£1 000)—to secure the deal.
Tools to Help You Make Smarter Offers
- WiseNest Area Comparison – analyse postcode demand & prices
- Mortgage Calculator – set your true affordability ceiling
- Survey Summary Tool – upload your RICS report and get a smart AI summary before you renegotiate
Create your free WiseNest account to unlock these tools now.
Final Thoughts: Strategy Beats Emotion
Making a smart offer in 2025 is about research timing and negotiation—not guessing or rushing .
Aim for a number that reflects value respects your budget and positions you as a buyer the seller can trust.
Want to streamline your offer process?
Create a free WiseNest account to manage budgets track property notes and summarise legal and survey documents—all in one smart dashboard.
Editorial Standards & Expertise
WiseNest Editorial Team
Our expert editorial team consists of seasoned technology professionals, business strategists, and digital transformation specialists with over 15 years of combined experience in helping businesses navigate the digital landscape.
This content is optimized to answer these questions comprehensively.
How do you make an offer on a house in the UK?
Submit your offer verbally to the estate agent, followed by a written confirmation via email. Include your offered amount, proof of mortgage (AIP), and any conditions (e.g. move-in timeline).
How much below asking price is OK to offer?
In 2025, offering 3–6% below asking is typical in most areas. Go higher in hot markets and lower if the property has been sitting unsold.
Can I offer 10% below asking price in the UK?
Yes, but only if justified—such as if the property has major flaws, is overpriced, or has been on the market for several months without offers.
Should I offer full asking price on a house?
If you’re in a competitive market, chain-free, or it’s a just-launched listing, offering full price may increase your chance of acceptance—especially for in-demand properties.
Is a verbal offer legally binding in the UK?
No. Property offers (and acceptances) are not legally binding until contracts are exchanged in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, it's different due to binding missives.
Can I withdraw my offer on a house?
Yes, until exchange of contracts. If something changes—survey issues, finances, or second thoughts—you can legally withdraw your offer.
How long does a seller have to respond to an offer?
There’s no legal timeframe, but most agents aim to get a response within 24–72 hours. Be proactive and check in with the estate agent.
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