My buyer wants me to pay towards their costs. Should I?

Do I have to pay towards my buyer's costs?

No. A seller's legal duty is to sell the property you have agreed, on the terms you agree. A request for a contribution is a buyer's way of closing a gap, and you can say yes, no, or counter.

The reason it comes up now is that mortgage costs have risen even though the Bank of England held its base rate, and the market has cooled. Nationwide recorded annual growth of 0.8% in September 2026, and buyers are stretching to make the numbers work.

What is a seller contribution?

A seller contribution is any sum the seller gives or credits the buyer towards their costs, such as legal fees, stamp duty, removals or repairs, instead of or alongside a price change. The usual forms are a reduced price, a payment, or an agreed repair.

Is a contribution better than a price cut?

It depends on what you are trying to protect. A price cut lowers the figure on the sale, and the buyer's stamp duty and mortgage are calculated from the price. A payment towards costs keeps the headline price but costs you the same cash.

The standard stamp duty rate between £250,001 and £925,000 is 5%, so a £5,000 price reduction on a home in that band lowers a buyer's stamp duty by £250. Ask your solicitor how any contribution would be recorded, because that is a matter for the contract and the buyer's lender.

How should I respond to the request?

1. 1. Ask what is behind it.

   A buyer who is short of cash needs a different answer from one whose survey has found a fault.

2. 2. Put a number on it.

   Decide the most you would give to keep this buyer, compared with relisting and waiting for another.

3. 3. Check the buyer's commitment.

   A buyer who has instructed a solicitor, ordered searches and applied for a mortgage is worth more to you than one who has not.

4. 4. Counter instead of accepting outright.

   You could split the difference, or offer a smaller sum in exchange for exchanging on a firm date.

5. 5. Put it in writing.

   Your solicitor should record anything you agree before exchange, and nothing is binding until contracts are exchanged.

Should I say yes in a slow market?

A softer market gives buyers more leverage, but it is still your decision. Before you concede, ask whether your price is right. If you have had few viewings, a second view of value from competing local agents is more useful than one more concession.

ValuQ is a UK platform that gives homeowners free, side-by-side property valuations from competing local estate agents, and the seller stays anonymous until they choose to connect.

Questions sellers ask about buyer requests