Homebuyers in the UK are managing to knock £10,822 off asking prices on average as the majority of the country remains very much a buyers’ market, new figures suggest.
The latest figures from Hometrack have revealed a UK-wide discount to asking price of 3.5 per cent – the difference between what a home was originally listed for and what it eventually sells for.
Taking into account this month’s average asking price of £309,191, that means on average buyers are clinching houses for £10,822 less than what the sellers want.
That doesn’t sound like that much, but it is worth bearing in mind that a sizeable number of properties see much bigger cuts than this and many will see tens of thousands of pounds shaved off listed asking prices before they go under offer.
This map reveals where the largest and smallest asking price discounts are in the UK (Source: Hometrack)
But on a more granular level the differences across the country vary dramatically.
The level of discounting from the asking price to achieve a sale is lowest in Manchester at 2.2 per cent, where market conditions have remained strong for the last two years.
Discounts have also fallen in Liverpool, where prices are rising off a low base, but remain above average at 4.8 per cent.
In Edinburgh and Glasgow, houses on average actually sold for more than the original listing, at -7.1 per cent and -5.2 per cent respectively.
In Scotland, properties are often purchased through the sealed bid system, which can result in a higher purchasing price.
In London, discounts from asking prices have narrowed for the first time in two years.
I’m buying a house but don’t know how to haggle – what are the best tactics?
Buying a house can be daunting, whether as a first-time buyer or an experienced mover, especially if you’re not sure of the best way to negotiate on the price.
For example, do you put in a high offer first in order to secure a deal fast, or start with a low offer and try to save some money?
Jeremy Leaf, north London estate agent and former RICS residential chairman, said: ‘When making an offer, much depends on local market conditions prevailing at the time. Are buyers or sellers on top – or is the market fairly balanced between the two? As always, timing is everything.
‘Hopefully, you will have a feeling for market strength or weakness as well as for the area or type of property you are interested in – this may be from your own research, estate agents and properties under offer or sold directly or via the portals.
‘It may be worth asking the estate agent for advice before making an offer, but remember that they act for the seller.’
Buying a house is a daunting process, whether as a first-time buyer or an experienced mover
Buying agent Henry Pryor, who has bought and sold over 1,000 properties, recommends buyers start low and raise their offer gradually.
‘The buyer decides what a house is worth, the seller decides if it’s enough,’ he said.
Always expect to be pushed up so usually it’s best to start low and be pushed gradually
Henry Pryor, buying agent
‘Always expect to be pushed up so usually it’s best to start low and be pushed gradually but like an auction, decide before you start just how far you are prepared to go and stick to it.
‘Most people buy a property having fallen in love with it to start with so don’t get carried away.’
Before you put in your offer, it is a good idea to check how long the house has been on the market – if it’s been up for sale for a while, it could suggest the property is overpriced.
Similarly, if the asking price has dropped since it has been on the market it could indicate the house is struggling to sell.
It can also pay to do your research and find out if the property is being marketed by more than one estate agency.
If so, the agent you’re viewing through may encourage the seller to accept a lower offer, so as to secure the commission ahead of the other agent.
‘Remember, the agent is not a broker,’ added Pryor.
‘He is paid by and represents the seller. His job is to pick your pocket and he will try every technique to do so.’
| City | Average price | Discount to asking price |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester | £166,100 | 2.20% |
| Liverpool | £121,900 | 4.60% |
| Birmingham | £161,200 | 2.80% |
| Leicester | £173,400 | 3.20% |
| Cardiff | £205,200 | 2.40% |
| Sheffield | £138,000 | 2.40% |
| Nottingham | £149,900 | 2.30% |
| Bournemouth | £291,100 | 3.40% |
| Leeds | £165,400 | 3.40% |
| Portsmouth | £239,000 | 3.10% |
| Bristol | £283,500 | 2.20% |
| Edinburgh | £218,800 | -7.10% |
| Newcastle | £129,400 | 5.20% |
| Glasgow | £126,200 | -5.20% |
| Southampton | £224,800 | 3.10% |
| Oxford | £427,000 | 5.10% |
| London | £494,800 | 4.80% |
| Cambridge | £439,600 | 2.90% |
| Aberdeen | £175,000 | 8.30% |
We’ve agreed a price but I’ve changed my mind and want to lower my offer – is this possible?
You can change your mind once an offer has been accepted, but you’ll need a very good reason – a simple change of heart probably won’t work.
If there is a material reason, say a poor survey or valuation is received or problems arise on the title documents, then a revised offer will have a far greater chance of success.
Pryor said: ‘A deal that is agreed “subject to contract” means either side can change their minds so both need to work quickly and efficiently to get to exchange of contracts to get the certainty of knowing that the deal is done.
‘You make money when you buy, not when you sell. Selling requires someone else to agree that what you have is lovely and have the wherewith-all to pay for it.
‘Buying is the only time you are in total control. It is the only time when you can walk away without it costing you a lot of money.’