Advice on making an offer

[NeedASolution]

I am single and looking to buy a flat. It is my second time buying but will be the first time I have bought alone and quite nerve-wracking taking all the decisions by myself, though I am generally quite a sensible type!

I have seen a flat that I love and want to offer on. My question is whether to offer the asking price or not. I am certain that the seller is going to push for at least 5% more (I met him and he clearly implied it) which I would not want to pay. Do I offer at the asking price or start lower as a negotiating strategy?

For context, I have a flat to sell that is not yet on the market so am not the ideal buyer, though I think it will sell easily. Otherwise, I have the finances in place and am very flexible in terms of timings, easy to deal with, etc.

WWYD?

Sell your flat so it's 'under offer' first. If not, you'll be laughed out of the shop so to speak.

In this market if you want to be in with a chance, get a buyer and go from there :)

Get your flat on the market as soon as possible and in the meantime book a second viewing (just say that you love it but you want to check if you'd need to do work/something along those lines) to slow things down while you get a buyer for your flat. Everything depends on whether there are other people offering though.