Selling a flat in Dhaka can be exhilarating but daunting. As with all the work you put into finding a buyer for your flat, working on getting the best deal possible requires skillful negotiation, patience, and having a plan. Many property owners get caught up at this position in the process, either selling for less than their flat’s true worth, or losing a buyer, because it is hard to negotiate.
At BestBari, we know the Dhaka real estate market as well as the importance of negotiation to maximize your return, so in this guide, we will provide you with practical tips, effective strategies and avoidable mistakes when negotiating with the potential buyers.
Why Negotiation Matters in Dhaka’s Property Market
Dhaka has one of the most vibrant property markets in Bangladesh. Whether you are a seller who just wants to try to sell a property, bringing an offer or a first-time buyer goes all the way to advanced investor, having a plan for negotiating properly will have a direct bearing on your bottom line in regards to profit.
A strong plan for negotiating allows you to find the following:
Find a competitive selling price for the time and effort you invested in the property.
Avoid long periods of time to sell and close on deals.
Protect your interests in contract and payment timelines.
Develop a business reputation for future buying and selling transactions as a result of smooth business negotiations.
1. Research the Market Price
Make sure you know the average prices of the flats in your locality before a buyer meets you. For example, flats in Gulshan, Banani, and Dhanmondi will usually have higher asking prices than flats in newer areas like Purbachal or Mirpur. Check these prices on a site like BestBari’s listings.
2. Know Your Flat’s Unique Selling Points
Emphasize elements like:
Location benefits (close to schools, workplaces, or shopping centers).
Building features (elevator access, parking, security, generator back up).
Condition of flat (recently remodeled, contemporary styling).
The better your preparation, the stronger your negotiating position will be.
Step 2: Set Realistic Expectations
It is normal to want the highest amount possible, but overpricing can turn people away from you. You should suggest a fair asking price, but leave a margin of price decrease so you look cooperative and still protect your desired profit margain.
Step 3: Build Trust with Buyers
Effective negotiations aren’t aggressive; rather, they’re about a win-win outcome. A buyer is more likely to agree terms if you can gain their trust.
Be open about property documents, and legal issues, and be sure to share maintenance fees or service charges or any potential issue upfront.
Be polite and keep lines of communication open, and active.
Trust leads to confidence, which generally leads to smoother negotiations.
Step 4: Master the Art of Negotiation
1. Listen First, Speak Later
Allow the buyer to share their doubts and hopes. This way, you can pay careful attention to how you’ll respond to their doubts and their hopes, while helping to keep your goals in place.
2. Highlight Value, Not Just Price
You want to avoid number-focus only, so remind buyers of the important value your flat delivers. For example:
“This flat gets southern sun and natural light all year.”
This flat provides southern exposure and generous natural light all year.”
“The area is safe with schools and a hospital within short walking distance.”
3. Be Flexible on Terms, Not Just Price
Occasionally, being flexible with payment schedules, handover dates, or whether or not you include those furniture pieces (or other items), will entice a buyer to meet your asking price.
4. Use Silence Strategically
If a buyer pushes too hard for a discount, don’t rush to respond. Silence often encourages them to reconsider or soften their stance.
Step 5: Handle Common Buyer Tactics
“I found a lower priced flat that looks almost identical.”
Begin by emphasizing your flat’s features and location.
“I need to take time to think about it.”
Thank the buyer and try and create urgency: “I hear you and I understand. However, we also have other interested buyers too.”
“Your price is too much.”
Justify with market information and similar listings from BestBari.
Step 6: Seal the Deal Professionally
After you and the buyer agree on the terms:
Prepare a written agreement specifying all conditions explicitly.
Prompt the buyer to provide a booking or other advance payment.
Contact a solicitor to review documents and protect yourself from fraud.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
purchasers that consistently postpone payments.
Demands for undocumented, “side payments.”
Offers that appear too good to be true.
Purchasers that aren’t willing to supply proof of financing.
If you identify any of these, you should be cautious.
Final Thoughts
Negotiating with potential buyers can be a stressful process when selling a flat. With adequate research, the right market knowledge and assistance, you can maximize the value of your flat. Remember that negotiating is never about winning at the expense of the buyer, especially when we are talking about a fair contract.
At BestBari we help sellers who are ready to move forward connect with motivated buyers while supporting them through the entire selling process.
Review some of our recently listed flats for sale in Dhaka and see how our team can help you negotiate with confidence and facilitate quicker closings.
