Buyers are negotiating, but not all the time. A recent article suggest 39% paid less than the asking price.
For buyers: There’s room to talk, so have your mortgage in place and be ready to move quickly when a price discussion opens up.
For sellers: Expect some haggle on many listings; the right pricing and presentation will limit how far negotiations go.
Size isn’t everything in the housing market
Most reductions are small. About one in five buyers shaved up to 5% off, 14% negotiated between 5% and 10%, and only 6% achieved more than 10%.
For buyers: Aim for realistic discounts; big cuts are rare unless there’s a clear reason (condition, time on market).
For sellers: Minor price flex often seals a deal; large reductions usually signal an issue with price or property.
You can sell your home for the full value
Plenty of homes still achieve the full figure. Another 39% of buyers paid the asking price.
For buyers: If a home is well-priced and popular, paying asking may be the winning move.
For sellers: Correct pricing attracts committed buyers who offer cleanly at the guide.
A competitive housing market is ideal for sellers
Competition can push prices up. Ten per cent of purchases were above asking, and 2% of those were via sealed bids.
For buyers: In hotspots, focus on your “best and final” number and proof of funds to stand out.
For sellers: Strong launch marketing can create urgency and, occasionally, competitive bidding.
Understandably, first-time buyers are keen to conclude a deal
First-time buyers negotiated less often. Only 35% bought below asking, versus 42% of previous homeowners.
For buyers (FTBs): Don’t be shy about negotiating; bring comparable evidence and be clear on your limits.
For sellers: Expect firmer negotiation from experienced movers; guide FTBs by outlining value, fixtures and timelines.
Taking time to get things right from the start will provide you with benefits
Price right from day one. Homes that need a price cut take 2.4 times longer to sell than those launched correctly, at least according to Zoopla.
For buyers: Watch reductions, but know they often come with longer timelines and more competition once the price resets.
For sellers: Setting the right price at launch saves weeks — sometimes months — and keeps momentum on your side.
Sellers must be wary of overpricing their home
Overpricing puts people off. The HomeOwners Alliance warns that starting too high deters serious buyers and stretches the process by weeks or months.
For buyers: If a home feels overpriced, track it and be ready to act when the guide adjusts.
For sellers: A realistic guide price brings the right audience through the door and protects your final figure.
Get help from the experts and make a smarter move
If you’re weighing up a move, we’ll help you price with evidence, position your property for the strongest offers, and plan a negotiation strategy that fits today’s market.
Paula Higgins is CEO of the HomeOwners Alliance, and she offered advice for buyers. Paul said: “Buyers clearly have more room to negotiate right now – but don’t just guestimate your offer. Do your homework: use an online valuation tool that estimates how much the property is worth, as well as researching what similar homes have actually sold for in the area. Knowing your stuff gives you confidence to negotiate effectively and fairly.”
Paula also reiterated how important it is for sellers to set a realistic asking price, saying: “While it’s tempting to start high and ‘see what happens’, homes priced realistically from the start sell faster and more successfully. Be guided by local sale prices, market trends and how fast you need to move.”
If you are looking for guidance on local sale prices in and around Huddersfield, you will be glad to know ADM Residential is here to assist you. We keep you fully up-to-date with your local housing market, bringing our experience and expertise to you, ensuring you make informed decisions.
Contact ADM Residential to sell your Huddersfield home
Anyone who is keen to sell their home in Huddersfield should contact ADM Residential today. We are more than happy to provide you with a property valuation, which is the ideal starting point for anyone looking to enter the Huddersfield housing market with confidence.
This is a busy time of year in the local and national housing market, but we look forward to assisting you. Call on your leading Huddersfield estate agents today for help and guidance in the local market.
