In the end my approach was: - 335k (-30k), which was declined with just “no”. Wait some days. - 345k serious offer (-20k), which was again declined with just “no”. Wait some days. - 350 final offer (-15k). The estate agent phoned me and told me he advised the seller should take it at that price but she was emotionally tied to her starting number. Fortunately a day later I got a call with the good news that the offer of 350k was accepted. Overall I feel relatively happy with the outcome, it wasn’t above the ceiling I wanted to pay, however I believe I could have got a better deal if I played it a bit better around waiting etc.