Ed Mead

How to negotiate on a house

  • From Spectator Life

With Rishi Sunak announcing plans for a Stamp Duty holiday extension and floating the policy of 95 per cent mortgages, the boom in house sales looks set to continue apace. So, in an increasingly competitive market, what’s the secret to securing the best possible price on a house?

Firstly, your relationship with the agent is key, even as the buyer. Despite the fact that most agents are paid by the seller estate agents form their primary relationships with buyers. If you want to live in a certain area find the best negotiator – the person you think can persuade a seller to accept your price. And don’t be afraid to badger them. They may not work for you but the squeaky wheel always gets the oil. They want the deal as much as you do.

Try and look for the worst property on the best street; it’s an old but well proven adage

Secondly, be prepared to pay a buyer’s fee.

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