Help! Want to squeeze £5k out of buyer

[DexterMama]

We're on with an online agent so are doing all the negotiating ourselves.

Buyer has offered £280k but we'd accept £285k.. how can we ask for more in a nice way without alienating him?!

Thanks in advance.

How much was it on for?

"We'd be willing to settle at 285." Don't make it more emotional than it needs to be.

Yes, how much was it on for? Are they low balling or are you trying to get the asking price or something in between?

You could say for £285k you will take it off the market and not allow any further viewings?

Yes sorry it was listed for £295k. One bed flat in popular area of S London.

He's a finance man so I feel like £280 might be his best and final but DP wants to try for more.

I like your suggestion @flowerstar19! Have put that to DP.

Bump!!

Have they said best and final? If not then it probably isnt. I would go back at 290k... or say split the difference and go 287500... they may then counter at 283750 though.
So I would say 290k... depending on the market obviously, most london 2nd hand flat markets are dead so you dont want to lose the buyer

I think you should say you're looking for £290K. I'd expect him to meet you half way.

It's quite normal for a first offer to be declined.

I watch a lot of million dollar listing so I feel qualified to answer this (joke)

Kissmebunty’s suggestion - ‘£285 and we have a deal’ is good but you have nowhere to go if he says no. So go back and say £290, he’ll hopefully then offer a lower figure or say no. Then you go back with £285 and we have a deal. He gets to feel like he’s bargained you down and you get the amount you want. Everyone’s a winner!

Personally I'd bite his hand off at the moment! One bed flats are reducing quickly in London. By all means ask for £285K but be prepared for him to walk away.

I feel like that’s a serious offer given the asking price. Isn’t the London property market dead at the moment? I think you could ask for £285k as he may be expecting some negotiations but try to leave the door open.

That's what I'm worried about too!! £280 is a pretty good offer tbf but £285 is what we really need.

Thinking of saying

Hi buyer. Thank you so much for your offer. £280k is just below what we’re after. For £285k we would happily accept and take the flat off the market today. Thanks SELLER

"Hi buyer. Thank you so much for your offer. We were looking for closer to £290k. For £285k we would be willing to accept and take it off the market today with no further viewings. Many Thanks Seller"

I would avoid the happily in your message, just say for 285 you would be prepared to ...

What only fools said.

Thanks @OnlyFoolsnMothers that sounds great

dont stress too much its a negotiation....worse they can say is no and you decide whats best for you.

Thanks everyone.
Feeling v stressed though! Trying my best to stay calm. DP is really busy at work so sorting out what we want to say is slow going.

DP wants to go for
"Hi buyer, thank you so much for your offer. £280k is too low but for £290k we would take it off the market today with no further viewings. Many thanks Seller."

I'm worried this is too risky!

worse they can say is no....

Is your flat on at 'willaccept offers 280-295'?
If that's your one then the buyer has done what any buyer would have done and offered the lowest you have basically said you are happy to accept

No it's just AP £295k

On with emoov?

yep
feeling outed