Real estate: buyers now in a position of strength

Charles Jacques did not expect to obtain such a drop in price for his apartment, located in Boulogne-Billancourt (Hauts-de-Seine). He obtained a discount of 150,000 euros on the displayed price, almost 15% cheaper for this 150 m². The sellers of the property, an estate, matched his offer at 850,000 euros, after several months without any other offer. This very old apartment had a poor energy diagnosis. Everything inside had to be redone.

Cost the work

Buyers are in a strong position to negotiate. Sales have been obtained on average 10% cheaper in recent weeks, despite very reluctant owners. “We explain to them that there will not be 50 offers for an apartment. If we have an offer, even if it is low, very often, we have to accept it”explains Julien Dufour, director of the Neighborhood Agency.

He advises to quantify with quotes the amount of work necessary. According to him, you should not hesitate to write a cover letter describing the qualities of the property. The last tip: regularly monitor prices per square meter. For an expert, taking the gamble of waiting several more months is not always an idea.