Financial Position

The first thing any seller wants to know is whether the buyer can actually afford the property. This means understanding:

• Whether the buyer is a cash buyer or requires a mortgage
• If a mortgage is required, whether an agreement in principle (AIP) has been obtained
• The size of the deposit and where it is coming from
• Whether the buyer has any outstanding financial commitments that could affect their ability to proceed

Chain Position

Chain position is one of the most important factors sellers consider when evaluating offers. A chain-free buyer — one who has no property to sell — is significantly more attractive than a buyer who is part of a long chain. Chain-free buyers can move at the seller's preferred pace, are not dependent on other transactions completing, and represent a lower risk of the sale falling through. Sellers will always want to know: do you have a property to sell, and if so, where is it in the process?

Flexibility on Timing

Many sellers have a preferred completion date — whether because they are buying another property, have a tenancy ending, or simply want certainty. A buyer who can demonstrate flexibility on timing, or who can commit to the seller's preferred timeline, is more attractive than one who has rigid requirements. If you can be flexible, say so clearly when making your offer.

Motivation and Commitment

Sellers want to know that a buyer is genuinely committed to the purchase and is not simply speculating or keeping their options open. Signs of commitment include: having a solicitor already instructed, having a survey booked promptly after offer acceptance, and being responsive and communicative throughout the process. Buyers who appear disengaged or who take a long time to respond to requests are a red flag for sellers.

Solicitor Instructed

A buyer who has already instructed a solicitor before making an offer is demonstrably more serious than one who has not. It signals that they have thought through the process, are prepared to move quickly, and are not going to lose time in the early stages of conveyancing. If you have not yet instructed a solicitor, doing so before making an offer — or at least having one identified and ready to instruct — will strengthen your position.

Survey Intentions

Some sellers want to know what type of survey the buyer intends to commission. A buyer who plans a full structural survey may be more likely to raise issues and renegotiate after the survey than one who opts for a basic valuation. However, most sellers understand that surveys are a normal part of the process and will not penalise a buyer for commissioning a thorough one.

How to Present Yourself Effectively

When making an offer, provide as much relevant information as possible upfront. A brief covering note — either through the estate agent or directly — that sets out your financial position, chain status, flexibility, and commitment can make a significant difference. Estate agents are required to pass on all offers to the seller, but they will also provide their own assessment of the buyer's strength. Making a strong impression on the agent will help ensure your offer is presented in the best possible light.

What Sellers Cannot Ask

Sellers cannot discriminate against buyers on the basis of protected characteristics such as race, religion, sex, disability, or sexual orientation. They are entitled to choose between buyers on the basis of financial strength, chain position, and other legitimate commercial factors — but not on the basis of who the buyer is as a person.