A Similar House Just Sold for £148,000. This One’s on at £164,950 — What Should You Offer?

If you’re looking at a property and something doesn’t quite add up on price…

You’re asking the right question.

Because a house three doors down sold for £148,000 — and now this one’s on at £164,950?

That gap needs explaining.

What You’re Really Trying to Work Out

At this stage, it’s not about what you feel the property is worth.

It’s about what can actually be justified.

Because if you need a mortgage, the lender is going to look at this the same way you are:

“What evidence supports this price?”

Savage Truth:
If the sold evidence doesn’t support the price, the lender probably won’t either.

First Step — Still Go and View It

If you like the property, go and see it.

Don’t try and negotiate something you haven’t fully understood.

Because sometimes there is a reason for the difference:

• Better condition
• Bigger plot
• Improved layout
• Position on the street

But sometimes…

There isn’t.

Here’s Where Most Buyers Get This Wrong

They see the asking price…

And start negotiating from that number.

That’s backwards.

The asking price is just a starting point.

The sold evidence is what matters.

What You Should Do Before Making an Offer

Once you’ve viewed it, this is your job:

1. Check the Sold Data Properly

Not just one property.

Look at:

• Last 6 months
• Within ~1 mile
• Same type
• Similar size
• Similar condition

2. Sense-Check the Gap

Ask yourself:

“Is this property genuinely worth £15–20k more than the one that sold?”

If yes — why?

If no — you’ve got your answer.

3. Put the Pressure Back on the Agent

Don’t justify your offer first.

Ask them:

“What sold evidence supports £164,950?”

Now they have to show their working.

Why This Matters More Than You Think

Because if you ignore this and offer too high…

The surveyor acting for the lender will ask the same question.

And if they can’t justify it?

You risk a down valuation.

That’s when:

• Deals stall
• Prices get renegotiated
• Or the whole thing falls apart

So What Would I Do?

If I viewed it and liked it:

• I’d double-check all comparable sales
• I’d challenge the price with evidence
• I’d base my offer on what’s provable — not what’s advertised

Because you don’t win by offering closest to the asking price.

You win by being right on value.

Mid-Deal Check

If similar properties are selling around £148,000…

Why would a lender support £164,950?

Final Position

Go and view it.

If you love it — great.

But don’t switch your brain off because of that.

Let the evidence guide you.
Not the asking price.

That’s how you avoid overpaying.

Want a Straight Answer on What You Should Offer?

If you’re unsure where to pitch an offer:

👉 Book a 1:1 Strategy Call (£50)

I’ll break down:

• What the local evidence actually says
• What the lender is likely to think
• Where your offer should sit

No fluff. Just clarity.

Next Step Reading

• 👉 Downvalued by £80,000? What to Do Next
• 👉 How to Make an Offer That Actually Gets Accepted
• 👉 Does Being a First-Time Buyer Help You Negotiate a Lower Price?

About John Savage

Straight-talking property advice for buyers and sellers who want control — not confusion.

No fluff.
No games.
Just strategy that works.