How to make a competitive offer

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When you’ve found a property that feels right, the next step is making an offer that gives you the best possible chance of success - without stretching your budget beyond comfort. In competitive Scottish markets, homes listed as “Offers Over” can attract several interested buyers, often leading to sealed bids on a closing date.

This section outlines the key actions you can take to make your offer more attractive to the seller, while protecting your own position as a first-time buyer.

1. Register your interest quickly

As soon as you’re seriously considering a property, ask your solicitor estate agent to submit a note of interest. This tells the seller’s solicitor that you’re keen and ensures that you’ll be notified if a closing date is set.

Registering early keeps you in the loop and shows you’re a proactive buyer. It also gives you time to prepare your offer, line up your paperwork, and avoid being caught off guard by a short notice period.

2. Study the home report carefully

The home report is your starting point for understanding the property’s value and condition. Pay close attention to:

  • The Single Survey, which includes a valuation and condition assessment
  • Any repair categories flagged as urgent or significant
  • The Energy Report, which outlines efficiency ratings and potential upgrades

If the home report valuation differs from the asking price, use this to inform your offer strategy. For example, if the property is listed at “Offers Over £200,000” but the valuation is £190,000, lenders may only lend against the lower figure - so you’ll need to consider how to bridge that gap, if required.

3. Understand the local market

Knowing what similar properties have sold for recently can help you pitch your offer at the right level. Ask your solicitor or estate agent about:

  • Comparable sales in the area over the past six months
  • Whether properties are routinely going to closing dates
  • Typical percentage increases over asking prices in that postcode

In competitive markets, successful offers often exceed the asking price by 5 to 15 percent, especially for well-maintained properties in desirable areas.

4. Be financially ready

One of the best ways to strengthen your offer is to show you’re financially prepared. Before making an offer, ensure you have:

  • A mortgage agreement in principle, confirming how much you can borrow
  • Proof of your deposit funds, such as savings account statements
  • Your solicitor’s details, ready to submit the offer and manage the legal process

Sellers often prefer buyers who are ready to proceed without delays, so being organised helps you stand out.

5. Make your offer through a solicitor

In Scotland, all offers must be made formally via a solicitor. Your solicitor will submit a written offer that includes:

  • Your proposed purchase price
  • Any conditions, such as subject to survey or mortgage approval
  • A suggested date of entry, which can often be negotiated to suit both parties

The offer will be submitted ahead of the closing date if one is set, or as an individual offer if there is no competition.

6. Consider what the seller values

It’s not always about offering the most money. Sellers may be influenced by practical considerations, including:

  • A quicker settlement date, especially if they’ve already bought elsewhere
  • Offers with fewer conditions, which can reduce the risk of delays
  • A buyer with a clear financial position and minimal complications

If your offer meets both financial and logistical needs, it may be viewed more favourably than a slightly higher bid with more conditions attached.

 

Making a competitive offer is a balance of preparation, local insight, and understanding what both you and the seller want from the transaction. By working closely with your ESPC solicitor estate agent, studying the home report, and being financially ready, you can submit an offer that is both realistic and compelling.