How to haggle with builders - 9 expert tips for ensuring a fair price

Bargaining doesn't come naturally to everyone, but there are some times when you should give it a go. Learning how to haggle with builders is one of those, and one which could save you a pretty penny.

When it comes to buying a house, most homebuyers are are aware that there'a a discussion to be had over the price. But did you know you can haggle with builders over the cost of a new-build home or smaller building jobs to add value to your existing home?

Well you can, and in fact, the experts say you should. But if you don't feel confident in your haggling skills, follow these pointers to make sure you pay the best price. 

1. Make sure you have at least three quotes

In order to haggle effectively, you need to have an idea of what the best price looks like. Always make sure to source at least three quotes for your home improvement plans, and make sure you get detailed quotes rather than estimates so you can be sure you are comparing like-for-like. 

You can then use them as bargaining tools - for example, if you have a builder you prefer, who is more expensive than another builder you approached for the same job spec. 

It's a good idea to get all quotes in writing so you can prove you’re in negotiations with other builders. 

2. Be prepared to do some legwork yourself

Whether it’s an extension, loft conversion or you’re redesigning your layout there’s plenty of ways you can drive a hard bargain with your builder.

Do some of the prep work yourself such as ripping out a kitchen or bathroom to save time but only if you know what you’re doing. It'll be a false economy if you take on tasks beyond you capabilities, cause a problem and then have to pay for it to be fixed.

Ask your builder if you can buy the materials and pay them a day rate instead. Agree a realistic timescale and project manage the process to keep on top of the work that needs to be done. Put a contract in place that details when the project is due to finish.

3. Go in low 

It can be difficult to know where to start when haggling, but remember it's a negotiation and the plan is to meet somewhere in the middle between your first offer and the builder's first asking price. 

'Once you know how to haggle it’s amazing how much you can get off the asking price,' says Emma Morby, founder of The Female Property Expert. 'I always say, make your first offer 25% below the asking price and aim to get at least 10% to 15% off by the time you’ve finished bargaining.'

When it comes to buying a new build property, housebuilders are more likely to accept an offer that is lower than the asking price when their development first launches in order to gain sales momentum, or when they are selling the remaining homes in the last phase of the development.  

When you’ve arrived at an offer, submit this to housebuilder’s sales agent by email, says Matt Johnson, area director of estate agency Johns & Co. 'As well as clearly stating your offer, also state that you have everything in place for a quick completion. Give your mortgage broker’s details in case the agent wants to check your position.'

You can also attach to the email the Agreement in Principle from your mortgage lender which outlines how much they are prepared to lend. Confirm the level of deposit you have and that it is readily accessible, not tied up investments that are tricky to sell quickly. Finally if the property build is completed, state how quickly you want to move in after you have exchanged contracts.

4. Do your homework 

Whether you are looking to buy a new build house, or carry out some improvements to your existing home, it pays to do your research. 

Find out exactly what a project involves, and how long it should take. This will make you feel a lot more confident when haggling and deciding what you think is a fair price. You can look online, or ask the questions of those providing quotes - you're more likely to haggle successfully if you and your builder have a mutual understanding of what the project entails. 

If you're buying a new build, ask the sales agent how many properties they have left to sell in that phase of the development. If the home is one of the last few the developer has to sell they are likely to accept a lower offer. 

Research the average house price of similar properties in your area and check to see what they sold for on Rightmove or Zoopla. Use this as a negotiation tool. But don’t forget the price of a new-build comes with a premium of between 5% to 10% so it will be more expensive than a second hand property. 

5. Sell your strengths 

Making yourself as attractive a client as possible can help your negotiations with your builder. Have a think what you might be able to go to make the builder's life easier or the project run smoother. Or maybe you have friends or family who are also looking to complete similar improvements - could this first project be a stepping stone to more work for the builder? 

Also, be friendly. Try to build up a rapport with your builder - this'll not only make working together much easier and improve communication, but you're such more likely to haggle successfully.

Similarly, if you are buying a new build, housebuilders like speedy sales. They will expect you to be able to exchange contracts 28 days after accepting your offer. So if you’re chain-free and have your mortgage agreed in principle – shout about it. It will improve your chances of getting a lower offer accepted.  

6. Get ready for a counter offer 

Remember that haggling is a negotiation - your builder will understandably want to get the highest price, while you want to pay the lowest. The goal is to meet somewhere in the middle. So don't be disillusioned if your first offer is not accepted.

But remember as well as price, you can also negotiate on terms. For example, you might agree to a certain price on the condition that work is completed by a certain date.  

This approach can also work for new builds. 'If you’re opening offer is in the ballpark region of what’s acceptable to the developer, expect them to come back with a counteroffer,' says Matt from John & Co. 'If you’re way too low the developer will simply decline it.' Another tactic is to agree to their counteroffer on condition that they pay some of your fees, pay the service charge for 12 months or throw in a furniture package, for example.  

7. Don’t change your plans half-way through 

 Be clear from the outset exactly what you want and stick to it. Changing your plans mid-build will result in delays and could cost you the discount you worked hard to haggle for. 

8. Be realistic about a fair price

‘Don’t expect a five-star finish for two-star prices,’ says Emma from The Female Property Expert. Haggling to get a fair price is advisable. 

But be wary of a builder willing to offer a significant discount to win your business. They may have to cut corners to deliver your project, use cheap fittings and take on multiple jobs at the same time which could lead to delays completing your improvement plans. 

9. Bargain over fees, fixtures and fittings 

Not all housebuilders will enter negotiations over the asking price and smaller developers have less wiggle-room when offering a discount because they work on tighter profit margins. But that’s not a reason to give up. 

Ask the developer to pay your legal fees and stamp duty and request free upgrades to the appliances, flooring and lighting that come with the home or even ask for a free parking space.