When to offer?

[Priority1234]

My house is now on the market - generated a fair amount of interest, a few viewers, but early days.

When do I offer on the new house? Solicitor says now, but I'm tempted to wait until mine is under offer to be taken more seriously as a buyer?

House in question is fairly niche so no other interest and has been on the market for 7 months with no other viewers etc, so I'm fairly certain it won't go under offer while I wait on mine (and, as we have noted interest, we will be given the chance to offer should it go under interest).

Any thoughts or pearls of wisdom?

You can offer whenever you like, but if I was your vendor I wouldn’t take the property off the market until you’re in a position to proceed.

I’ve done 3 property deals since 2021 and have only offered once my own property is under offer. On one of them, the vendor wouldn’t let anyone even view the property unless they were already in a position to proceed.

Thanks @Didsomeonesaydogs, that's my gut feeling!
I'm just nervous in case the property I'm looking to buy suddenly gets interest and I end up paying more...but I guess that's a risk I have to take!

I would view and tell them you’re interested and considering making an offer once your house has sold, I wouldn’t make the offer until you’ve sold though.

The last time I was in that position I got friendly with the estate agent and I’d ring weekly to find out if they had any interest or viewings booked. She was a particularly naive estate agent though, and it only took a few more weeks after I found it to get mine under offer.

Honestly, I’d wait. Then you can go in at a lower price because you’re in a strong position. If you offer now, they might continue to show other people round and you’ll be in a worse position than you would if you wait to sell yours because whoever goes to see it gets that feeling of scarcity and wants it more.

I would wait until you’re under offer. Otherwise you risk the EA just using your offer to generate more interest in the house.

Getting an offer could also stop the sellers from reducing the price. I would just tell the EA you’re interested but want to get an offer on your own property before making an offer on this one.

"I would wait until you’re under offer. Otherwise you risk the EA just using your offer to generate more interest in the house."

Valid point.

Thanks everyone - much appreciated and some really good points!

Will wait until mine is under offer. I have two people coming for second viewings tomorrow and Thursday so hopefully they turn into offers!