Am I More Likely to Have a Successful Negotiation Because I’m a First-Time Buyer? 

If you’re a first-time buyer, you hold a significant advantage that has nothing to do with the size of your deposit. Sellers are increasingly prioritising transactional certainty over the highest bid. 

Your chain-free advantage 

The biggest risk in any property sale is the chain, a sequence of buyers and sellers all dependent on one another. If one person’s mortgage is delayed or a survey comes back poorly, the entire chain can collapse. 

As a first-time buyer, you’re chain-free. This makes you highly attractive for several reasons. 

You aren’t waiting for a buyer of your own to be ready. There’s no onward sale that could fall through and ruin the seller’s plans. You can typically move from offer acceptance to exchange much faster than a chained buyer. And sellers who need to move by a specific date (for a new job or school term) will often choose a first-time buyer to guarantee they hit their deadline. 

Research consistently shows that chain-free buyers can often secure properties for 2-5% less than buyers in a chain, simply because they offer the seller a guaranteed exit. 

How to maximise your position 

Don’t just tell the agent you’re a first-time buyer, prove you’re a proceedable one. When submitting your offer, highlight your certainty. 

Lead with your status. Always state “First-time buyer, chain-free” in the first line of your email. 

Show your homework. Mention that your Agreement in Principle (AIP) and deposit verification are ready to view. 

Offer flexibility. If the seller is moving into a new build that isn’t quite ready, offer them a flexible completion date. Your ability to wait is a significant stress-reliever for them. 

Use survey findings strategically. Because you aren’t under pressure to sell a house, you have the luxury of time to negotiate repairs or price reductions if a survey reveals issues. 

For more on making strong offers, see our guide on how do I word an offer email to my estate agent. 

Next steps 

The final piece of the certainty puzzle is showing that your legal team is already in the starting blocks. Sellers and agents know that a buyer who has already instructed a solicitor is far more likely to reach completion. 

Setfords’ first-time buyer solicitors specialise in high-speed, chain-free transactions. We provide the transaction-ready credentials that make your offer stand out. By instructing us early, you can provide the estate agent with CQS-accredited solicitor details immediately, instant proof of instruction signalling your serious intent, and expert protection through the survey and contract phase. 

Get your free conveyancing quote today 

What you can expect with Setfords

More time, more attention: With no targets, Setfords lawyers can dedicate more time to you.

Ultimate flexibility: Our lawyers can tailor their schedules to meet your needs.

Nationwide coverage: with hundreds of consultant lawyers across the UK, we’ll connect you with the right expert.

Dedicated specialist legal partner: work directly with your chosen lawyer from start to finish.

Highly experienced: Setfords lawyers have an average of 20 years’ experience, so you can be assured you’re in safe hands.

Capacity-based allocation: our lawyers never take on more work than they can handle, so you get the focus and attention you deserve.

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