Negotiating a purchase

[pollyglot]

Someone who knows about these things, please give me your advice...what's the best way to negotiate buying a house privately? We've seen a place we really love, but it's a private sale, no agents, been on the market for ages as it's too expensive for what it is, but perfect for us! DH says start low, and take it slowly, but I have a feeling that putting cards on the table and saying "here's our best offer, take it or leave it" is the best way to go. Anyone done this and has any ideas of the best approach? Thank you in anticipation of your wisdom!

I've not done this but to be honest I think it's like any negotiation you've just cut out the middle man. Decide on a fair low price, offer that. But have two/three more up your sleeve as it were. On rejection offer mid price, if that's rejected give final (with room for negotiation upwards say £5k depending on the price of the place) they hopefully will counter and you can up or stick to your figure. I think with all houses unless you know it's going to be absolutely perfect forever I would always walk away if they keep pushing or expect too much for what's on offer.

Thank you so much for the perspective, Missingtwo2