Prepare before making contact
Review comparable evidence, competing listings, condition, chain position, time on the market and the seller circumstances where known.
Agree more than one number
Set an opening position, the evidence supporting it and the maximum position you are prepared to reach. Decide in advance what would cause you to stop.
Use the strength of the buyer position
Finance readiness, flexibility, chain status and a clear ability to progress can matter alongside price.
Keep the message calm
A concise, credible offer is usually stronger than a long emotional explanation. The selling agent needs a clear number, position and proposed timing.
Do not negotiate against yourself
Allow the seller or selling agent to respond. Repeatedly increasing without new information weakens the strategy and can expose your maximum too early.