Hi. I live in Canberra and am researching to buy my first home here - PPOR, not off the plan, preferably somewhere around north-west Belconnen. I've read Margaret Lomas and Patrick Bright's advice on negotiating prices (e.g. never pay retail; walk away if the agent tells you another buyer is involved), and I'd be interested to hear from people who have bought property in the ACT on how realistic this advice is.
It seems to me that a lot of people are willing to pay above retail. Several people I've spoken to say they don't negotiate, they just pay the advertised price no questions asked, or higher if it's $xxxxxx+, because they reckon it's the only way to get your foot in the door. Agents always say someone else has made a higher offer (even if the property has been on the market for months). Maybe I'm just looking at in-demand areas but would appreciate feedback on how much room for negotiation there really is in Canberra. Thanks in advance
It seems to me that a lot of people are willing to pay above retail. Several people I've spoken to say they don't negotiate, they just pay the advertised price no questions asked, or higher if it's $xxxxxx+, because they reckon it's the only way to get your foot in the door. Agents always say someone else has made a higher offer (even if the property has been on the market for months). Maybe I'm just looking at in-demand areas but would appreciate feedback on how much room for negotiation there really is in Canberra. Thanks in advance