Offers and negotiation

Authored by Melanie Webb

Expert tips for selling your home in Selwyn

As a Selwyn-based real estate specialist working with sellers across Rolleston, Lincoln, Prebbleton, and West Melton, I guide homeowners on evaluating offers, negotiating effectively, and moving confidently from conditional to unconditional contracts.

Receiving offers on your home is exciting, but in Selwyn’s competitive property market, it can also feel stressful. Understanding how to navigate the process strategically ensures you maximise value while avoiding common pitfalls.

Understanding offers beyond the price

Many sellers focus only on the offer amount, but an offer involves more than just numbers. Conditions, settlement dates, and buyer readiness are equally important. In Selwyn, buyers often include conditions such as:

• Finance approval
• Building inspections
• LIM report reviews
• Subject-to-sale clauses Example: A buyer who is pre-approved for finance and has minimal conditions may be more reliable than one offering a higher price with multiple contingencies. Evaluating offers holistically, considering both financial and practical factors, allows sellers to make informed decisions.

Should you accept the first offer?

It’s natural to consider the first offer seriously, but patience often pays off.

• In high-demand areas like Rolleston and Lincoln, initial offers can be low-ball attempts.
• In quieter suburbs like West Melton, the first offer may reflect genuine buyer intent. A measured approach lets you gauge interest, attract competing offers, and make counteroffers strategically. Your agent can advise on timing, negotiation, and market expectations to maximise your sale outcome.

Negotiating conditions

Buyer conditions protect their interests but also influence the speed and certainty of your sale. Common conditions include:

• Finance approval
• Building inspection
• LIM report review
• Sale of another property Negotiating conditions is about balance. Adjusting timeframes or clauses, for example, reducing a building inspection from 20 to 10 days, can make your offer more attractive while keeping your sale on track.

Going unconditional and preparing for settlement

Once conditions are satisfied, contracts go unconditional - a legally binding agreement. In Selwyn, settlements typically occur within 4–6 weeks. Your lawyer and the buyer’s lawyer manage finance, documentation, and ownership transfer. Preparation tips for sellers:

• Maintain clear communication with your agent and lawyer
• Schedule movers and organise utilities in advance
• Confirm legal and administrative steps for a smooth transfer Being proactive reduces stress and ensures your move is coordinated efficiently.

Local insights for Selwyn sellers

• Rolleston: High demand often leads to multiple offers quickly. Competitive bidding can drive prices above initial expectations.
• Lincoln: Diverse buyers - first-home buyers, families, and investors - require careful evaluation of offers.
• Prebbleton & West Melton: Buyers often prioritise lifestyle, land size, and privacy, meaning conditions and settlement flexibility may influence outcomes more than price alone.

Final thoughts

Negotiation is about strategy, not confrontation. Evaluating offers carefully, understanding conditions, and preparing for settlement ensures a smooth sale while maximising value. Working with a knowledgeable Selwyn agent provides guidance tailored to your suburb, helping you navigate the market confidently.

Selling your home doesn’t have to be stressful. With preparation, knowledge, and support, you can turn offers into a successful sale that meets your goals.

This article forms part of an ongoing series where I share local insights and observations on living, buying and selling in Selwyn, read more here