The phrase "offers over" is commonly used by estate agents in Scotland and increasingly encountered in parts of England, particularly in competitive markets. It signals that the seller expects offers at or above the stated figure and that the price is a floor rather than a ceiling. Understanding how to approach "offers over" pricing helps buyers make competitive bids without overpaying.

What "Offers Over" Means

An "offers over" price indicates the minimum below which the seller will not consider an offer. It is intended to attract interest by setting a relatively low initial figure while signalling that the seller expects competition and will achieve above the stated minimum. In Scotland, where this pricing structure is most commonly used, the "offers over" price often corresponds to the Acceptance in Principle valuation obtained by the solicitor rather than the expected sale price.

In England, "offers over" is used less systematically and may simply indicate that the seller has received interest and wants to establish that a minimum expectation exists. The intention is always to generate offers above the stated figure.

How Much to Offer

The appropriate offer depends on the level of competition for the property, the comparable sold prices in the area, and your assessment of the property's value. Offering exactly at the "offers over" figure is almost always insufficient in a competitive market; it communicates that you want to pay as little as possible and is likely to be beaten by other buyers who offer above.

In active markets where there are multiple interested buyers, offers of three to ten percent above the stated "offers over" price are common, with the winning offer sometimes significantly above this. The estate agent can sometimes give guidance on the level of interest and the number of offers expected, though they are acting for the seller and will not tell you what other buyers have offered.

Sealed Bid Processes

When a property marketed "offers over" attracts multiple interested parties, the agent may ask all interested buyers to submit their best and final offer by a specific date and time, a process known as a sealed bid or best and final. In this case, buyers must decide independently what the property is worth to them and submit their best offer without knowing what others are bidding. The seller then selects the most attractive offer, which may not simply be the highest price but may also consider the buyer's chain status and readiness to proceed.

Researching Before Offering

Before offering on any property marketed "offers over", research comparable sold prices using the Land Registry data to establish what the property is objectively worth. This gives you a confident position: if the "offers over" figure is already at or above comparable prices, you should understand before offering why this property commands that premium and whether you agree with the market assessment.

Summary

An "offers over" price is a floor, not a target. Offering exactly at the stated figure is usually insufficient in a competitive market. Offers of three to ten percent or more above the minimum are typically required to be competitive. In sealed bid situations, offer the genuine maximum you are willing to pay rather than guessing. Research comparable sold prices before making any offer to understand the market context.