In Nairobi’s fast-moving real estate market—especially in prime areas like Kilimani, Kileleshwa, Lavington, and Westlands—buyers often face a familiar challenge: multiple offers on the same property. A bidding war can drive up prices, intensify pressure, and leave buyers feeling defeated. But the good news is that winning a high-demand property isn’t about luck—it’s about strategy.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, learning how to compete effectively in a bidding war increases your chances of securing the home you want without overpaying. Below are five powerful strategies that can help you submit a compelling offer and rise above competing buyers.
1. Get Pre-Approved Before You Start Shopping
The most competitive buyers are the ones who walk in with certainty—both for themselves and for the seller. A mortgage pre-approval is one of the strongest signals you can send in a bidding war. It tells the seller you are financially ready, serious, and capable of closing quickly.
Why Pre-Approval Matters in a Bidding War
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Shows verified income and creditworthiness
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Speeds up the offer and closing process
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Positions you ahead of buyers who only have pre-qualification letters
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Gives you a clear understanding of your budget
If sellers receive two similar offers but only one buyer is pre-approved, the pre-approved buyer will almost always win.
2. Make a Strong, Clean Offer
When competing in a bidding war, sellers prefer offers with fewer conditions. A “clean” offer is one that is simple, straightforward, and easy to accept.
How to Make Your Offer More Attractive
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Minimize contingencies (e.g., long inspection windows)
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Avoid requesting unnecessary repairs upfront
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Provide flexible timelines that suit the seller
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Offer a competitive deposit to show commitment
A clean offer doesn’t mean you skip due diligence—it means presenting an offer that reduces hassle for the seller.
3. Increase Your Earnest Money Deposit
Your earnest money deposit is a powerful psychological tool. Increasing it signals seriousness and financial stability, giving you an edge during a bidding war.
Why This Strategy Works
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Shows you have skin in the game
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Offers reassurance to the seller
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Demonstrates confidence in the property and process
In many markets, including Nairobi’s upmarket neighbourhoods, offering more than the typical deposit can differentiate you from other bidders without requiring you to increase the purchase price dramatically.
4. Use an Escalation Clause (Strategically)
An escalation clause can be a game-changer in a bidding war. This clause automatically increases your offer by a certain amount if another higher offer is presented—up to a maximum limit.
Benefits of an Escalation Clause
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Keeps you competitive without guessing blindly
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Prevents emotional overbidding
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Protects your budget with a predetermined ceiling
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Saves time for both parties
However, escalation clauses must be used carefully. Work closely with your agent to ensure they are structured clearly and legally to avoid misunderstandings.
5. Write a Compelling Buyer Letter
While numbers matter most, emotions play a significant role in real estate transactions. A thoughtful buyer letter can humanize your offer and help sellers form a positive connection with you.
Your Buyer Letter Should:
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Highlight why you love the property
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Reflect appreciation for the seller’s care and upgrades
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Show enthusiasm without sounding desperate
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Be sincere, short, and respectful
In Nairobi’s upmarket areas—where many sellers have owned their homes for years—a personal touch can surprisingly influence outcomes in a bidding war.
Bonus Strategy: Work With an Experienced Buyer’s Agent
A strong agent increases your chances of winning far more than most buyers realize. Skilled agents understand:
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Pricing trends
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Seller motivations
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Offer structures
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When to push and when to hold back
They also know how to work fast—critical when homes receive multiple offers within hours.
Understanding Seller Psychology in a Bidding War
To win, you must think like a seller. Sellers typically choose the offer that is:
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Strong
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Clean
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Certain
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Quick to close
This means that even if your price isn’t the highest, your overall offer can still be the most appealing.
Sellers gravitate toward offers with:
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Pre-approval
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Shorter timelines
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Serious deposits
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Minimal complications
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Professional communication
Common Mistakes That Make Buyers Lose Bidding Wars
To compete effectively, avoid these costly errors:
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Waiting too long to make an offer
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Underestimating competition
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Ignoring market data
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Making offers with excessive contingencies
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Letting emotions drive your decisions
Losing bidding wars repeatedly is often a sign that your strategy—not your budget—is the problem.
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When Not to Participate in a Bidding War
While competitive markets push buyers forward, not every home is worth fighting for.
Avoid bidding wars when:
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The home needs expensive structural repairs
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Prices are inflated beyond market value
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You feel pressured beyond your financial comfort zone
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The property does not meet your must-have criteria
Know your limits—and stick to them.
Final Thoughts
Winning a bidding war requires a balance of strategy, speed, and insight. With the right preparation—pre-approval, a clean offer, strong deposit, smart escalation, and a skilled agent—you can confidently secure the property you want without unnecessary stress.
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Contact us today at Realty Boris for expert guidance, powerful negotiation strategies, and access to premium properties before they hit the market.
