Do I Need My House on the Market — and Should I Organise a Solicitor Before Making an Offer?
What serious buyers do differently, and how GLP can help you move smoothly
One of the most common questions we get from potential buyers is:
“Do I need to have my house on the market before making an offer?”:
“Should I get a solicitor lined up before I start offering?”
The answer to both? Technically, no — but if you want to be taken seriously and move without delays, the answer should be yes.
Sellers Want Certainty — and Serious Buyers Offer It
From a seller’s point of view, a buyer who already has their property on the market — or better yet, under offer — looks committed and ready to move. It tells them you’ve done the prep work and you're not just testing the waters.
Add a solicitor into the mix and your position becomes even stronger.
When you’ve already instructed a solicitor and organised your finances, it signals to sellers and agents that you’re serious, efficient, and well-organised — and that gives you the edge. Especially in a competitive market like Herne Hill or Dulwich, where good homes attract multiple offers, the more complete your position, the more attractive your offer becomes.
Why You Should Organise a Solicitor Early
Having a solicitor in place before making offers isn’t just about appearances — it also saves time and reduces stress. Once your offer is accepted, everything can move straight into action, cutting down on delays and reducing the chance of the dreaded “chain collapse.”
At Greater London Properties, we work closely with local solicitors who we trust to deliver fast, clear communication and thorough, proactive handling of your sale or purchase. If you’re not sure where to start, we can connect you with a recommended firm that’s already familiar with how we work — making the process smoother all round.
What We Can Help You With
At GLP, we don’t just sell houses — we help guide the entire moving journey. Here’s what we can offer:
✅ Free, no-obligation valuations so you can plan your next step with clarity
✅ Trusted financial advisers to help you understand your borrowing power
✅ Connections with experienced local solicitors to keep your transaction running smoothly
✅ A tailored marketing plan if and when you decide to list your current property
Thinking of Making an Offer Soon?
If you’re beginning your search and haven’t yet listed your home or spoken to a solicitor, now is the time. Getting these steps in place could be what helps your offer stand out — and keeps your purchase on track.
Give us a call today and we’ll walk you through the process, step by step.
We look forward to hearing from you, please let us know if you would like any more information from us.
Warm regards,
Kate & Rob Hill