AIBU to offer 15-20k under asking price

You’ve got your discount as the price is that much lower than similar houses that have what you want. Buy one of those rather than squeezing more money out of someone who is dealing with the loss of their father.

Also, you don’t need to replacer walls just to decorate. It’s only necessary if the plaster is blown

Why do you say all the rooms need stripping of plaster? Unless it's in a poor state, damp or it absolutely stinks. I think people have come to think this is the norm after watching Homes under the hammer, but honestly if it's basically sound, and you're not doing structural alterations, just redecorate!

I have lived in houses of all ages, Victorian, 1920s, 1960s, and the only times we have had to do this was once in one attic room with severe water damage, and after moving internal walls.

I marketed my late relative's house at 20k under the market price because it needed some updating. 3 bed detached. Estate Agent held an open house on the Sunday. By Monday I had 8 offers. The two offering below the asking price didn't get a look-in.

Great advice. Most buyers may consider 10% or even slightly more for a quick sale (no chain etc.), so you would be at £180k, or even £175k. You should just phone them asap and ask them, what is the worst that can happen? I also agree with @FuzzyWolf that there is a price point that can offend the seller in some circumstances and they won't engage at any price. A good agent can usually smooth some of this over with the talk that you are first time buyers, new to all of this etc.. Massively also depends on the market - and the EA is working for THEM not YOU, so want the best price. If there are better offers out there, you will be outbid anyway. If not, you are in with a chance. But you have to throw your hat into the ring.

I offered 20 K under & it was accepted immediately. You can offer what you want, but they can say no if they want.

No harm in trying but if the price seems fair, expect a no. If they want a quick sale you might get lucky? If you really want the house and you know it’s good value for money you might piss them off enough to accept from someone else as they think you’re tight and will try to reduce later on. It’s up to you, no right or wrong.

Why would you offer lower if, as per the research you’ve done, the price of the house is already reduced to reflect the fact that the kitchen and bathroom need re-doing? What else needs re-doing? The whole house needs to be re-plastered?

£200k for a house that needs £20k of work would be worth the same as the other houses that are already done up, so why would the seller accept such a low offer as you’re proposing? Sounds fairly priced to reflect the work needed. You can offer whatever you like, but if you go in too low you’ll look like a piss taker rather than a serious buyer.

I agree that it’s marketed to reflect the work needed.

Offer what you want, that’s up to you. They might say yes or they might take offence and not sell to you for any amount.

If its £200,000 and ones which have already been updated are selling for £225,000 I would say its has been priced to reflect that modernisation is required.

You could offer low, the response is going to go one of two ways.
Just be prepared that you may have to increase the offer.

Let’s face it everyone knows people will move quickly when a house is going through probate.
Ultimately, you can offer what you like and the seller can just say no

Its not unreasonable to offer, and its not unreasonable to decline, you'll never know unless you do it. Can always increase, but you cant ever decrease!

You can offer what you like, of course.