Why do some sellers accept low bids?

In an ideal real estate world, every seller gets the top prize after an exciting bid battle. But the reality of 2026 shows a different picture: around 50% of homes are currently being sold below the asking price. While this feels like a win for buyers, it begs the question for many: Why would anyone settle for less?

The answer rarely lies with the stones themselves. Accepting a low bid is almost always a strategic decision driven by psychology, timing, and personal priorities. Below, we'll break down the main reasons why sellers in the current market decide to say “yes” to a lower offer.

The “Security factor” above the price

In 2026, financial security will be worth its weight in gold. A bid of €425,000 without reservation of financing is more attractive for many sellers than a bid of €440,000 where the buyer needs another six weeks to complete the mortgage.

• Fear of rejection: Sellers are afraid that a deal will collapse at the last minute. If a buyer can show that the money is immediately available (e.g. through a bank guarantee or own funds), a seller is often willing to give a “discount” in exchange for a good night's sleep.
• No architectural inspection: A buyer who is willing to accept the property “as-is”, without a list of repair requirements after an inspection, takes a major risk away from the seller.

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The “Ticking clock”: Double monthly payments

Nothing forces a salesperson to compromise more quickly than the fear of double burdens. If a seller has already purchased a new home and the transfer date approaches, the home changes from an asset to a building block.

Every month that the home remains unsold costs money: mortgage, insurance, taxes and maintenance. A salesperson then calculates: “If I cut €10,000 now, I'll save three months of double charges and a lot of stress.” In that scenario, a lower bid is simply a rational business decision.

Emotional detachment and “Decision fatigue”

Selling a home is an emotional marathon. After dozens of viewings, the constant cleaning of the house and the uncertainty of the market, decision fatigue often occurs.

• Legacies: In the case of homes from an estate, the heirs often want to finalize quickly. The emotional burden of managing a family home often outweighs maximizing revenue.
• Divorces: In situations where partners break up, a quick sale is often the only way to give both parties a fresh start. Speed and a “clean break” are then more important than the last few thousand euros.

2026 market realities: Strategic pricing

Sometimes a “low” bid is actually a very realistic bid. In the current market, we often see that sellers have priced their homes based on last year's peak figures.

When a home is on the market for more than 45 days, a negative stigma is created. Buyers are going to wonder, “What's wrong with this house?” To break the vicious cycle of price cuts, a seller would rather accept a bid that is 5% below the asking price of a serious bidder than wait another three months for a miracle that is unlikely to come.

The gun factor

Surprisingly, emotion also plays a positive role. Sellers who have lived in homes for decades often want their homes to go to “the right people.”

A young couple who writes a personal letter about their dream of raising a family in that particular neighborhood can beat an anonymous investor who offers something more. The seller accepts the lower offer because it makes them feel good about the future of their old home. This is what we call the right to award.

Favourable secondary conditions

A bid consists of more than just a number. Sometimes a seller accepts a lower amount because the buyer meets other important needs:

• Flexible delivery: The buyer agrees not to make the transfer until nine months from now, exactly when the seller's new-build home is ready.
• Movable property: The buyer takes over all the curtains, the floor and the outdoor kitchen, saving the seller a lot of lugging and disposal costs.

The insight: Price is only one part of value

Accepting a low bid is rarely a sign of weakness. It is often a sign of a salesperson who has his priorities in order. In the 2026 real estate market, peace and speed are more valuable to many people than the highest price on paper.

As a buyer, you can respond to this by not only looking at the price, but also at the seller's needs. Sometimes a quick deal or a personal click is the key to an accepted bid that's far below the asking price.

This video explains how you can assess the seller's motivation and bid strategically in the current 2026 market.