Rightmove says that the number of sales being agreed by agents was up 12% compared to the same month in 2019, representing the biggest year-on-year jump in any month since July 2017, and in London the number of agreed sales increased by 26%.
So, in this competitive market, once you have found your dream home, how can you make sure that you beat the competition to make it all yours?
One way of making it more likely that your offer to buy a property is accepted is by offering to pay the highest price. However, this is also the most expensive way, and securing a property when you make an offer is not always about money.
The vendors of the property will also want to have confidence that they are selling the property to the right person, who is going to successfully complete the transaction. They will not want to waste time and money on proceeding with a sale that falls through before it completes, and this could mean they miss out on their onward purchase.
Making a successful offer doesn’t always mean that you have to pay more than other potential buyers, if you can convince the vendors that you are the right person to buy their property.
So, what pieces of information can you provide to the vendor to make your offer stand out from the crowd?
In the past, I have successfully submitted offers on email to agents that I have asked to be forwarded onto the vendors. These emails contain the following information, which is designed to demonstrate to the vendor that you are a serious buyer and so, if they accept your offer then there is a greater chance that the sale will complete.
Here are my tips on what information you should provide to make a successful offer without paying the most money.
Your name(s)
It is always easier to make an emotional connection if you know someone’s name, so let the vendor know who you are. They may even choose to look you up on social media.
Your position
Do you have a property to sell? Are you chain free? If you are in a chain where your buyers are selling their property, explain the status of each of the relevant transactions.
Mortgage agreement in principle
If you are buying with a mortgage, it’s a good idea to show you have your mortgage agreed.
Proof of funds
Show the estate agent evidence of your deposit or full amount that you are offering on a bank statement and confirm this in the email.
Your offer price
Confirm the amount of your offer in writing.
Your timescales
Can you move quickly? Say in a month, or before Christmas etc. Perhaps you are happy to move at the pace of the vendor?
Solicitor details
Show that you are prepared to move, by being ready to supply your solicitor details.
Surveyors who you will be using
Similarly, let the estate agent and vendor know which surveyor you will be using.
Any other conditions
Be clear about any other conditions you may have regarding the purchase of the property, such as whether you would like fixtures and fittings to be left, etc.
As you can see, there are a lot of considerations when it comes to making an offer on a property, so supplying this information will put your offer in a stronger position than other potential buyers who might simply pick up the phone and quote a number.
