Saving $200,000 on an On-Market Property
The client
A local buyer from Sydney’s Inner West was searching for a standalone home (non-strata) with a functional outdoor space. With a tight budget, he understood the importance of compromising on aspects that could be improved over time.
The property - 33 Harrington St Enmore
The client had identified 33 Harrington St, Enmore, which hit the market in September 2024 with a price guide of $1,500,000. Initially scheduled for auction on October 12, the auction was withdrawn due to a lack of unconditional bidders. The property was then listed for sale at $1,500,000 to $1,600,000.
At the time, the market was shifting—stock levels were increasing in Spring, but buyer numbers were dropping, creating an ideal buyer’s market.
The Strategy
When the client reached out in early December, the property had been on the market for several months. He engaged me under my Evaluation & Negotiate service to secure the best possible deal.
I immediately got to work:
Analysing the sales campaign and speaking with the agent.
Assessing the vendor’s motivations to sell.
Conducting due diligence on the upstairs extension to ensure Council approval.
Coordinating with the client’s solicitor to fast-track the contract review.
Ensuring the client’s mortgage broker had financing ready for an unconditional offer.
Conducting comparable pricing research to determine a fair market price.
The Negotiation Advantage
One of the most common tactics agents use is claiming they have a higher competing offer—but it’s often not unconditional. Their goal is to pressure buyers into increasing their bid unnecessarily.
I advised the client that presenting an unconditional offer could be a game-changer, removing uncertainty for the vendor and potentially securing the property at a lower price. With just two weeks until Christmas and the home sitting unsold for three months, we had strong leverage.
The Outcome
Within 48 hours of our initial conversation, the client successfully purchased 33 Harrington St, Enmore for $1,400,000—saving $200,000 from the upper price guide.
To put this into perspective, in the past year, only three other houses in Enmore sold for under $1.4 million. Two were unliveable (61 Gladstone St & 106 Edgeware Rd), and the third was located on a busy road (79 Edgeware Rd). This purchase represented exceptional value.
Key Takeaway
Many buyers assume a buyer’s agent is only useful for securing off-market properties. However, this case study highlights how strategic timing, negotiation expertise, and knowing when to make an unconditional offer can save buyers $100,000 - $200,000, even on-market.
If you're looking to secure a property at the right price with expert negotiation, reach out today!
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