Before you make one of the most important decisions of your life consider the following noted below before making an offer on a house or flat you wish you buy.

1. The property seller may wish to see a letter from the bank or building society to confirm you are in a position to make an offer. 
2. Visit the local estate agents, visit the property valuation web sites including Our Property Mouse Price, Up My Street, Land Registry which will give you an idea of what properties have sold for in the local area.
3. Making the right offer is all about getting the right balance. If the offer is to low then you could loose your dream home if the offer is to high then you may be paying above the market rate.
4. How many people are interested in the house or flat or are you the only buyer making an offer. If you are the only buyer interested in the property you will be in a better position to negotiate a lower price.
5. Stick to your budget and if you need to go over the budget can you afford it.
6. How long has the house been on the market for and has it been reduced for a quick sale
7. How soon does the home seller want to sell, if they need to sell sooner rather than later then you may be in a position to negotiate a better price 
8. Consider the overall economic climate, again this may put you in a stronger position to negotiate.
9. If you are a first time buyer or cash buyer you will be in a better position to ask the seller to reduce to price as you do not have a home to sell.
10. Does the house of flat require any internal or external work for example new windows, roof, structural work if yes you could ask the seller to reduce the price to cover the cost of the addtional work.
11. If you really like the house or flat and this is your dream home and you dont want to loose it then offer the asking price.  If your prepared to negotiate then we recommend offering 10% below the asking price. If this gets rejected then you can always increase the offer.
12. Once your offer is accepted by the buyer it must be made formal, in writing subject to terms and conditions. Your offer must also be subject to contract and survey which means you are not legally bound to proceed on the sale of the property until a survey has been completed and signed contracts are exchanged.