How I Negotiated 20% Off My Overseas Property—Without Offending Anyone
The seller leaned back in his chair, politely smiled, and continued to say nothing.
That silence stretched just long enough that I wondered if I’d offended him or lost the deal completely.
In 10 minutes, we shook hands at a price that was 20% below the original ask.
And if you’re investing in real estate overseas, this moment is more important than the view, the tile work, or even the price. Negotiations overseas are almost never just about numbers. It’s not just what you ask, but how, when and who does the asking.
Think about how you would go about purchasing a tractor in a rural overseas marketplace, you wouldn’t walk in, demand the lowest price. You listen, you get to know that seller, and then you learn how things are actually done long before the money is ever discussed.
And if you do it wrong, not only will you fail to receive a discount, but also there may not be a second chance.
Why Negotiating Overseas Is Different
Back home, negotiation is command-based. You make an offer. The seller counters. You meet in the middle.
Abroad, particularly in the countries favored by expats and retirees, negotiation is governed by unspoken cultural rules. Ignore them, and you’ll become known as “the difficult foreigner” Word travels fast in small property markets.
The biggest mistake foreigners make is price being the first conversation. In many places, it is the last.
Long before I ever brought up numbers, I spent weeks doing something much more important: listening.
Step One: Never Negotiate First, Observe First
And in many foreign markets, the asking price isn’t a set figure. It’s a signal.
I didn’t negotiate at all when I first began looking seriously. I viewed the properties. I asked questions. I let agents talk. I figured out which homes were lingering for months, and which sold quietly before you even saw a listing.
Here’s what worked:
- I wanted to know why the seller was moving, not how low they’d go
- I inquired about how long the listing was on the property
had it already been cut, and I said.
In many countries, sellers will tell you a lot more than they ever intended if you just don’t rush them.
Recommendation:
For the first two weeks, do not haggle. Think of it as research, not shopping.
Step Two: Let a Local Ask the Awkward Questions
Most foreigners lose money here.
I didn’t negotiate directly. Someone local, someone who spoke the language, read social cues, had a personal connection with the seller who did it for me.
When residents negotiate, the language sounds different. Softer. Slower. More respectful.
Instead of:
“We believe the price is too high.”
They say:
“My clients adore the property, but they’re worried about long-term expenses.”
Same message. Completely different effects.
Recommendation:
Do not negotiate directly, unless you have a deep understanding of the local culture. Work with a local intermediary, if you can.
Step Three: Use Reasons, Not Numbers
When my agent finally got around to talking about the price, she didn’t start with a low offer.
She led with reasons:
- Similar homes nearby sold for less
- Roof work would be required within five years
- The property had been vacant, and the owner was losing money
It wasn’t until after she explained the logic that she said a number.
That figure didn’t seem aggressive; it seemed reasonable.
Recommendation:
If you can’t make a bid that stands up even without emotion, then you’re not ready to bid.
Step Four: Respect the Seller’s Pride
In most parts of the world, and even in many places in North America, negotiation is personal. Sellers could have lived in the home for decades. Some built it themselves.
An untenably lowball offer can be an insult — not just to your finances, but to your dignity.
I made sure my agent was saying three things very clearly:
- I respected the property
- I was planning to live in it, not flip it.
- I was flexible on timing
And those points were every bit as important as money.
Recommendation:
Let the seller “save face.” A small win for them can be a big win for you.
Step Five: Be Willing to Walk Away Quietly
Here’s the reality: The discount wasn’t immediate.
Silence followed when my offer was announced. No counter. No rejection.
This is when many international visitors start to panic and bid too quickly.
I didn’t.
I stayed quiet. My agent stayed polite. No pressure. No follow-ups.
The seller returned a week later, not with a counteroffer, but with a question:
“Would your buyer be willing to move the closing date?”
That was the opening.
Recommendation:
Silence is not rejection overseas. Often, it’s a consideration.
Step Six: Negotiate Terms, Not Just Price
The bottom line on the final deal wasn’t just about the price. I also negotiated:
- Furniture inclusion
- A longer inspection period
- Repairs completed before closing
In international markets, sellers are usually more amenable to negotiating terms than price, particularly if it lets them think they “won.”
Recommendation:
If the price stalls, change the topic. You can save thousands without changing the headline figure.
The Result and the Real Lesson
Ultimately, I paid 20% below the initial asking price. But more important, I made the deal and left goodwill behind.
The seller helped with the utilities. Introduced me to neighbors. Even recommended a handyman I still use till today.
I would never have suffered that indignity if I had negotiated the way one does for a used car.
What I’d Tell a Friend Back Home
If you’re purchasing property abroad, keep this in mind:
- Negotiation is cultural, not transactional
- You can only pressure people so much, respect takes you a lot farther
- Locals know how to order the thing you want, let them.
It’s not being clever that gets the best overseas deals. They derive from patience, knowledge, and humility.
