Making an offer is where strategy meets emotion. Get it right and you secure your dream property at a fair price. Get it wrong and you may lose the property or overpay. Here's a practical guide to crafting a strong offer in the WA market.
Research Before You Offer
Your offer should be anchored in data, not emotion. Before writing a number on paper, research comparable sales in the area — properties of similar size, condition, and location that have sold in the past 3–6 months. Your agent can pull this data for you through REIWA or CoreLogic. Consider:
- How long has the property been on the market?
- Are there other interested buyers? (Your agent should find out)
- What is the seller's motivation? (Relocation and financial pressure = more negotiation room)
- Is the property priced at, above, or below market value?
- What's the current supply-demand balance in that suburb?
Structure Your Offer
A WA property offer is made via the REIWA Contract for Sale. Key elements of your offer include:
- Purchase price — your opening offer
- Deposit — typically 5–10% (paid within 2 business days of acceptance)
- Settlement date — agree a realistic timeline that suits both parties
- Conditions — subject to finance, building inspection, etc.
- Inclusions — confirm which chattels and fixtures are included
Negotiation Strategy
If your first offer is rejected or countered, don't walk away. Counter-offers are part of the process. Leave room in your initial offer to move upward, but anchor it to the data you've researched. In a multiple-offer situation, put your best offer forward immediately — you may not get a second chance.
- Start below your maximum but within a reasonable range of asking price
- Increase in meaningful increments — not $100 at a time
- Know your walk-away price and hold to it
- Consider non-price sweeteners: flexible settlement, fewer conditions, larger deposit
- Keep negotiations professional — emotional buyers make poor decisions
What Happens After Offer Acceptance?
Once both parties sign the contract, it becomes legally binding subject to any conditions. Finance and building inspection conditions are typically 14–21 days. Your settlement agent begins work preparing for settlement. If all conditions are met, the contract becomes unconditional and settlement proceeds as agreed.
Let Our Agents Negotiate For You
Experienced negotiation is one of the most valuable things an agent brings. Let us help you secure the best price.
Frequently Asked Questions
In most cases, yes — unless the market is extremely competitive or the property is priced well below comparable sales. Always anchor your offer to recent comparable sales data rather than the asking price.
Yes, but be careful. If two sellers accept simultaneously, you could be legally committed to purchasing two properties. Most experienced buyers make offers sequentially rather than concurrently, especially in active markets.
