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Making an Offer on a House: A First-Time Buyer Guide

Prepare a first-time buyer house offer with a clear budget, useful questions and an understanding of what happens after acceptance.

Checked 1 June 20266 min read

Quick answer

Before offering, decide your walk-away price, check what is included and understand the property's tenure and condition. Make the offer through the estate agent and confirm it in writing. In England and Wales, an accepted offer is not legally binding until exchange of contracts.

Education, not advice. Use this as a clear starting point, check the linked official sources and speak to an appropriately regulated professional before acting. Read the disclaimer

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Before you offer

  • Compare the asking price with similar homes and recent sold prices.
  • Decide your maximum before negotiations begin.
  • Check the lease length if the home is leasehold.
  • Ask what is included in the sale and whether anything will be repaired or inspected.
  • Understand the chain and your own buying position.

Make a clear offer

You will usually make your offer through the estate agent. State the amount clearly and confirm it in writing. Explain useful facts about your position, such as being a first-time buyer with no property to sell, without overstating anything.

GOV.UK says that an offer in England and Wales is not legally binding until exchange of contracts. The process differs in Scotland, where you should follow Scottish guidance and advice from a solicitor.

What happens after acceptance

Once your offer is accepted, instruct your solicitor or conveyancer promptly, progress your full mortgage application and arrange a suitable survey. Your lender's valuation is not the same as a survey for you.

  • Tell the estate agent who your conveyancer is.
  • Send requested documents promptly.
  • Keep your deposit and fee money accessible.
  • Read the survey and discuss legal enquiries before exchange.

Common questions

Is an accepted offer legally binding?

In England and Wales, no: GOV.UK says an offer is not legally binding until contracts are exchanged. Rules and terminology differ in Scotland.

Should I offer the asking price?

There is no universal answer. Consider the property's value, condition, local market, competition and your walk-away price. Do not offer more than you can responsibly afford.

Official sources

Use these sources to check the latest rules and read more detail:

GOV.UK: Making an offerGOV.UK: Buying a home
Education only: Solvado does not provide mortgage, financial, tax, legal or insurance advice. Any tool results are general estimates, not recommendations, offers or eligibility decisions. Rules, rates and criteria can change. Check official sources and speak to an appropriately regulated professional before making decisions.

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