Guide Price vs Asking Price Explained
Guide Price vs Asking Price Explained
If you have been browsing property listings, you will have seen both "asking price" and "guide price" used. They are not the same thing — and understanding the difference helps you interpret listings and set your own price more effectively.
What Is an Asking Price?
An asking price is the price at which a seller is marketing their property. It is the figure you see on Rightmove and Zoopla for the vast majority of residential property listings. It represents what the seller hopes to achieve — though the final sale price may be higher or lower depending on negotiation.
- The asking price is the seller's starting point for negotiation
- It is set by the seller, usually in consultation with their estate agent
- Buyers typically offer at, below, or occasionally above the asking price
- The asking price does not guarantee the property will sell at that figure
- Most residential properties in England and Wales are marketed with an asking price
What Is a Guide Price?
A guide price is used when the seller is inviting offers around a particular figure rather than setting a fixed asking price. It is most commonly used in Scotland (where the system works differently) and in auction sales, but it also appears in some standard residential listings in England and Wales.
- A guide price signals that the seller will consider offers in that region
- It is often used when the seller is uncertain of the exact market value
- In auction contexts, the guide price is the minimum the seller expects to achieve
- Guide prices are common in Scotland, where the system of offers over a fixed price is standard
- In England and Wales, guide prices are less common in standard residential sales
Offers Over and Offers In Excess Of
You may also see properties marketed as "offers over" or "offers in excess of" a stated figure. These phrases signal that the seller expects to achieve more than the stated price and is inviting competitive offers.
- "Offers over £X" means the seller expects to achieve more than £X
- "Offers in excess of £X" (OIEO) carries the same meaning
- These phrases are used when the seller anticipates strong demand or multiple offers
- They are common in Scotland and in competitive markets in England and Wales
- Buyers should treat the stated figure as a floor, not a ceiling
Fixed Price
A fixed price listing means the seller is not looking to negotiate — the price is what it is. Fixed price listings are more common in Scotland and in situations where the seller wants a quick, straightforward sale.
- Fixed price means the seller expects to receive the stated amount
- There is less room for negotiation than with a standard asking price
- Fixed price listings can attract buyers who want certainty and want to avoid a bidding process
- They are more common in Scotland than in England and Wales
- In England and Wales, a "fixed price" listing is unusual and may indicate a motivated seller
Which Should You Use?
For most sellers in England and Wales, an asking price is the standard and most appropriate approach. Guide prices and offers over are less common and can confuse buyers who are not familiar with them. Your agent will advise on the best approach for your property and local market.
- Asking price is the default for most residential sales in England and Wales
- Guide price or offers over may be appropriate if you expect strong demand or multiple offers
- Discuss the approach with your agent — they will know what works in your local market
- Whatever approach you use, make sure the price is realistic and supported by comparable evidence
This resource is provided by Property Sale Pack for general information purposes only. It does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Property Sale Pack is an independent platform and is not affiliated with any estate agent, conveyancer, or other third party referenced herein. Always seek independent professional advice before making decisions relating to the sale of your property. Property Sale Pack 2026. All rights reserved.
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