Can I offer my estate agent a £1,000 bonus if they sell our home for the best price?

We're about to list our home for sale and have agreed a flat fee with the estate agent firm upon completion.
I'm aware our selling agent will get commission, but can we incentivise him to sell our home quicker and prioritise us by giving him a cash bonus?
I thought I would offer £1,000 cash off the books to make our home his number one focus and get the price we want.
But is this unethical, or even illegal?
Ed Magnus of This is Money replies: This is an interesting idea, However, it needs to be kept above board, on the books and handled in the right way to be ethical.
It's worth remembering that a good estate agent shouldn't necessarily need to be given additional financial incentives to sell.
You would hope they would want to get you the best possible price regardless, as this often dictates their commission.
If a quick sale is what you are after, it might be a better strategy to simply price your property competitively.
Homes that receive an enquiry on the first day of marketing are 22 per cent more likely to successfully find a buyer than homes which take more than two weeks to receive their first enquiry, according to Rightmove.
Listing your property at a realistic asking price is also likely to attract more buyers. That means more interest, more viewings, potentially more offers and even a bidding war.
Buyers tend to become more engaged once they know other people are interested in a property and that 'fear of missing out' kicks in.
Will the bonus strategy work?
This will divide opinion and many will argue it won't. After all, a property is worth what a buyer is prepared to pay for it and ultimately, what price you accept is up to you.
But there could also be an argument for offering an incentive to the estate agency on the basis it is paid to whichever negotiator ends up selling the property.
You need to be clear about the terms. For example, you'll pay £1,000 if they sell for a certain price, or within a fixed time period.
If the estate agent is just a one or two man band, then I would question whether an extra £1,000 will make much difference to them personally as the managers of the business.
That said, most estate agent offices have a team of sales negotiators who get paid commission when they sell a property. Typically only the negotiator who sells a property earns the commission - the others get nothing.
Negotiators' commission is often 10 per cent of the fee agreed, albeit it can be higher than this.
This means for example if you agreed a flat fee of £6,000 with the estate agency, only £600 of that might go to the negotiator who sells your home.
Do the maths: Most negotiators will receive a percentage of your estate agent fee if they sell the property, but this will only be a fraction of the sale price
Most estate agents charge a percentage fee, rather than a flat fee, the average being about 1.5 per cent of the final selling price. This in theory incentivises each agent to get the best possible price.
However, the negotiator who sells the property may not be that fussed to negotiate hard on your behalf given they only receive a fraction of that.
For example, while the difference between you selling for £400,000 and £410,000 might be a big deal for you, for the negotiator it could make all but £15 difference to their commission, based on them taking 10 per cent of a 1.5 per cent fee.
Setting a target price for all the negotiators to target with the offer of an extra £1,000 incentive for anyone who manages to secure that price (or more) could in theory pay off.
After all, the worst kind of estate agent is the one that just waits for the incoming phone call via Rightmove or Zoopla.
A much better sales negotiator will pick up the phone, know their list of buyers and be able to create a buzz around your property from day one.
Some agents may even be able to find potential buyers looking in surrounding areas - if they have other offices nearby with a buyer database they can access.
For expert advice, we spoke to Mike Hansom, consultant for property litigation at BLB Solicitors, Jeremy Leaf, north London estate agent and a former residential chairman of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, and Matt Thompson, head of sales at Chestertons.
Is £1,000 cash off the books legal?
Mike Hansom replies: I am not sure what an arrangement 'off the books' would entail, but the extra fee you pay would be income that the agent needs to declare to His Majesty's Revenue and Customs.
I recommend you are vigilant in avoiding any transaction where you suspect the agent might not declare the income.
It could mean you are implicated and even prosecuted for an offence relating to tax evasion or avoidance.
Assuming the transaction is entirely legitimate for tax purposes, there could be a view that you are simply looking for a premium service, for which you are willing to pay a premium rate, and in principle that is not unlawful.
I also anticipate it is common for some agents to offer different marketing packages for different prices.
Jeremy Leaf replies: I am not sure it is a great idea for various reasons – first and foremost, there is the tax and transparency question.
Should the payment, if made, be disclosed to the tax authorities by the giver or receiver?
And what would the reaction be of other client vendors of that agency if they were to discover that sellers have been offering extra payments to promote their properties at the expense of others?
My advice is not to make the proposal as almost certainly trouble will follow one way or another.
The majority of negotiators are on individual commission anyway so will benefit if they arrange a sale.
You must be careful of offering one negotiator an incentive and not another because if word gets out, you may find the other negotiators disengage from trying to sell your home.
Is it unethical?
Jeremy Leaf replies: Any conversation would need to be had with the head of office or manager, explaining the circumstances and perhaps coming to a structured arrangement to incentivise the sale at a particular price, rewarding the successful negotiator who goes the extra mile.
In this way, transparency is maintained and everyone knows what is happening.
It may also depend on how big the agency is. A corporate structure might not be sufficiently flexible to allow for your proposal.
Matt Thompson adds: I understand you are in a rush to sell your property, however, offering your selling agent an additional amount of money 'off the books' is not something that an agent should accept.
Mike Hansom replies: In looking for an agent who prioritises your property over that of their other clients, you might struggle to find a reputable agent who will agree to work with you.
I anticipate most agents' standard terms and conditions say something like they will 'use their best endeavours to market and sell the property' of all their clients.
Agreeing something extra with you that puts their other clients at a disadvantage would breach that kind of term.
If word ever got out it would put the agent at risk of legal action from all their other clients. Perhaps more importantly it would cause them huge reputational damage.
What could they do instead?
Matt Thompson replies: What you can do is agree an official negotiator bonus.
I understand that you have agreed a flat fee with your agent. This may or may not be the best option for you as a flat fee doesn't really incentivise an agent to prioritise your property.
Instead, we would advise you to agree for the agent to receive a set percentage of the sales price which can range anywhere from 1 per cent to 2 per cent and present a bigger incentive than a flat fee would.
Best mortgage rates and how to find them
Mortgage rates have risen substantially over recent years, meaning that those remortgaging or buying a home face higher costs.
That makes it even more important to search out the best possible rate for you and get good mortgage advice, whether you are a first-time buyer, home owner or buy-to-let landlord.
Quick mortgage finder links with This is Money's partner L&C
> Mortgage rates calculator
> Find the right mortgage for you
To help our readers find the best mortgage, This is Money has partnered with the UK's leading fee-free broker L&C.
This is Money and L&C's mortgage calculator can let you compare deals to see which ones suit your home's value and level of deposit.
You can compare fixed rate lengths, from two-year fixes, to five-year fixes and ten-year fixes.
If you're ready to find your next mortgage, why not use This is Money and L&C's online Mortgage Finder. It will search 1,000's of deals from more than 90 different lenders to discover the best deal for you.

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The Sun

40 minutes ago

• The Sun

Best UFC betting sites in the UK – Top UFC bookies ranked (2025)

THE UFC has exploded in popularity across the UK in recent years, quickly becoming one of the most-watched combat sports alongside boxing. Major UFC events now attract millions of UK viewers via platforms like TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport), while live shows at The O2 Arena often sell out within hours. With British champions like Leon Edwards making waves on the global stage, interest in MMA and MMA betting has never been higher. If you're itching to get in on the action, this article highlights some of the best UFC betting sites in the UK for 2025. Our top 10 sites for UFC betting 🔎 How we ranked our best UFC betting sites As with all of our reviews, the core system we base our evaluation on is our editorial framework, the " Sun Factor." And while we mostly looked for bookies with good odds and a good variety of UFC markets, there are other factors in play too, such as ease of use and the quality of the customer support. Here's a breakdown of everything we assessed: 🥊 Number of UFC betting markets When choosing the best UFC betting sites, one major factor is the range of UFC betting markets available. The top sportsbooks don't just stick to picking the winner: they offer a wide selection of betting options: method of victory (KO, submission, decision), round betting, to-go-the-distance markets, and more. A greater number of markets gives bettors more ways to bet, opening new ways to capitalise on each fight night. 🤑 Promotions & bonuses One reason many UK customers prefer certain betting sites for UFC is the availability of fight-specific promotions. The best UFC betting sites run bonuses tied to major events, like boosted odds, free bets, or parlay insurance. These offers often pop up ahead of pay-per-view bouts, making them a smart way to maximise your stakes. And although UFC-specific promos are rare, many sportsbooks offer welcome bonuses and VIP promotions that can be used across all sports, including on UFC fights. 💰 Best odds for UFC matches To get the most value from your bets, it's vital to compare odds across different UFC betting sites. The best betting sites consistently offer competitive lines, whether you're backing a favourite or hunting value on an underdog. Even marginally better odds can mean much bigger winnings, especially when placing large stakes or building a fight night parlay across several matches. 🗓️ Betting experience A great UFC betting experience starts with an easy-to-use site or app. The top online betting platforms have well-designed sites and intuitive apps that work across a variety of devices, making it easy to find the UFC betting markets you're after. After all, being able to quickly place a wager, especially during in-play betting, can make all the difference in quick-paced events like UFC fights. 💳 Payment methods The best betting sites support a wide range of options for deposits and withdrawals, including PayPal, debit cards, Skrill, and Neteller. They also provide hassle-free payment methods and process withdrawals quickly and securely, ensuring you don't have to wait long for your winnings. 📞 Customer support Whether it's a payment issue or a question about a bet, quick and effective customer service is key to a good online betting experience. Good betting sites provide24/7 support through live chat, email, or even phone, and detailed FAQ sections answering all typical customer questions. The best ones go a step further and offer their customer insights into upcoming matches and tips for events and promotions to look out for. An in-depth look at our favourite UFC betting sites 1. bet365 bet365 is one of the biggest names in the British betting world over the past two decades, and rightly so. From the quality and quantity of its game streaming and in-play betting options to generous promotions for both new and existing players, there's a lot to like here. As boxing lovers can attest, bet365 has a fantastic selection of markets for fighting fans. bet365 covers both major MMA events like UFC and UFC Fight Night, and smaller ones like Oktagon and ARES FC. Markets depend on the event, but you can expect everything from Fight Lines (winner) and Method of Victory to Strikes Landed and even combo bets like Method and Round. 2. Betfred Betfred is a truly legendary bookie in the UK, having started modestly as a single betting shop in Ordsall, Salford, in 1967. Although it has mostly made its name on excellent odds and acca deals for football fans, it has long since expanded into other betting markets, including boxing and MMA. All major events like UFC Fight Night and typical markets such as Round Betting are available, and you can even combine several matches into acca bets or keep up with the latest news and get custom tips and predictions on a dedicated UFC Betting Tips page on Betfred's Betfred Insights blog. 3. Coral Coral is a well-known site among UK punters, and its sportsbook offers solid coverage of UFC events. You can bet on all the key markets like Fight Betting (moneyline) and Method of Victory, or try to guess the total number of rounds. A standout feature is #YourCall, which lets you create your own custom UFC bets by tweeting @Coral. If accepted, you'll get informed about your odds and possibly be featured on the site's #YourCall page. While Coral doesn't go as deep into MMA markets as some competitors, it makes up for it with highly user-friendly betting tools, reliable odds, and creative bet-building features that can net you some unique, fun, and highly profitable bets. 4. BetMGM Since its UK launch in 2023, BetMGM has carved a niche in MMA by blending aggressive promotions with user-friendly innovation, managing to stand out even in a rather crowded sportsbook scene. The site offers an extensive selection of UFC and MMA betting markets, including standard options like To Win Fight, Round Betting, and Method of Victory, plus specials tied to major events. Features like Lion's Boosts enhance odds for select fights, and Edit My Bet lets punters tweak their wagers mid-event – a rare find in the MMA market. The platform also includes extensive in-play betting options and tips on upcoming fights. 5. 888 Sport 888 Sport is one of the biggest names in online sports betting these days. The operator has a smooth, responsive site and a well-designed app that both support numerous pre-match and in-play betting options. Although the site's excellent Bet Builder is only available for football, NBA, and NFL matches, you can still make acca bets on UFC fights. There's also a section for Popular Bets so new players can get ideas and an occasional Odds Boost for major events such as headline UFC fights. There's a ton of betting markets for UFC too, from classics like predicting the match winner to method of victory & round combos. 6. Betano Betano has a simple recipe for success: make betting easy and give punters highly competitive odds. It has one of the best-designed apps we've tried, with features such as a sliding menu that can be pulled up mid-stream to make your bet. UFC lovers can bet on a variety of markets, from moneyline to guessing whether the fight will go the distance. There are also regular Bet Boosts on popular markets in big fights, and you can even get massive odds on randomised compound selections through Lucky Dip bets, such as guessing not only the winner and round, but also the exact minute the fight will end. 7. SBK SBK is a lesser-known operator well worth checking. In addition to excellent sports promotions for both new and existing players, it tries hard to stay competitive with the big industry names by offering the most competitive odds on a variety of popular sports markets, including all fighting sports. Best Price lets you see how the current odds for events stack up against major names like Unibet and Coral, while Price+ lets you get margin-free odds on select events to guarantee the most profitable bets. All major events such as UFC and UFC Fight Night are covered in detail, and you can bet on anything from outright winner to bout ranges. 8. Tote If you're a fan of pool betting, Tote is the best place to be. With a history spanning almost 100 years, Tote is a legendary bookie with some of the industry's best offers for this style of betting, including Tote Multiples that offer players the larger of starting price vs Tote dividend. If you don't feel like risking with accas, the Tote Guarantee ensures the final win price on select bets won't be lower than the starting price. MMA fans can bet on all popular UFC events and markets like moneyline and Over/Under bets and handy navigation tools let you pick between UFC fights only or everything that's currently available. 9. CopyBet CopyBet is our favourite pick for new punters and a great place to check out for some expert tipster advice. With the simple act of subscribing to your favourite pro tipsters on the site, you can get easy access to their bet slips, which can be instantly copied into your own selections. This benefits both inexperienced punters and grizzled veterans, the latter getting paid a percentage of winnings, while the former can copy multiple selections from several industry veterans, greatly raising their chances of making winning bets. UFC fans can look forward to over 15 markets, including submission or (T)KO combos, all neatly organised per event. 10. Kwiff Kwiff may not be a household name in the UK yet, but it's definitely a rising star. New players can look forward to sport-agnostic free bet offers not limited to certain payment methods (a rarity in the UK these days!) and great ongoing promos like surprise free bets, 3+ fold acca boosted odds, and more. Our favourite feature is Supercharged Bets, random bet selections across all sports (including UFC) that get boosted odds. The site's well-organised interface lets you see in-play bets, fights within 24 hours, popular competitions, or a calendar of all upcoming fights. There are over 10 betting markets, including all popular ones like Fight Winner and Total Rounds. 🥊 Popular UFC betting markets Betting on UFC and MMA fights is quite similar to boxing bets, so if you're familiar with those, you'll be right at home here. Here's a short list of the most common markets you'll see. Outright winner The most straightforward betting option: just pick which fighter will win the bout. For example, if you wager on an underdog at 3/1 and they score a knockout, your payout is based on those boosted odds, and you'll get triple your wager. This market is available on nearly all UFC betting sites and is a great entry point for new and inexperienced bettors. Over/under number of rounds Here, you predict whether the fight will end before or after a set number of rounds. For example, if two technical fighters with strong defensive styles are matched up, betting on the fight lasting over 5 rounds is usually a good idea. This market is often featured in UFC promotions and specials on major sportsbooks. Method of victory This UFC betting market lets you bet on how the fight will end: by KO, TKO, submission, or decision. For example, backing a grappler to win by submission against a striking-focused opponent is a solid plan, but don't expect the odds to favour you too much, as the bookie knows what to expect, too. Many betting sites boost the odds on these methods around championship fights. Fight to go the distance A variation on the over/under bet, this one simply predicts that the fight will last its full scheduled length, and thereby have the winner decided by a judges' decision. Excellent for those 'boring' matches where both fighters are cautious, but not that uncommon in UFC, considering that matches typically last either three or five rounds, depending on the format, finishing far quicker than your typical boxing match. Most of the UFC markets listed above are often available as in-play bets on most major sportsbooks. This means you can place bets while the fight is happening, adjusting to the action in real time. However, UFC fights are typically much shorter and more fast-paced than boxing, but they can end just as suddenly, especially in lower weight classes or striker-heavy matchups. As a result, in-play betting windows can be narrow, and odds may shift rapidly. Quick decision-making and access to a site with a good live betting interface are essential to making the most of in-play bets for UFC fights. Ones to watch in the UFC From living legends like Jon Jones, who is at 37 still the reigning heavyweight champion with a record-breaking 12 title defences through his career, to up-and-coming fighters like the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev and Ilia Topuria, or female UFC flyweight Erin Blanchfield, there are plenty of interesting talents to watch these days. Although most category champions are expectedly dogged veterans like Dricus Du Plessis, Islam Makhachev or Valentina Shevchenko, some slightly younger fighters like Australia's Jack Della Maddalena have managed to snatch titles, too. While all of the UK waits with baited breath for the supposed heavyweight title clash between the reigning and interim champs Jon Jones and our very own Tom Aspinall, there are plenty of exciting upcoming matches in 2025, including Topuria's June 29th clash with veteran Charles Oliveira, and the much-anticipated Du Plessis vs. Chimaev duel on August 16th. 🤝 How to bet on the UFC Here's a quick step-by-step guide on how to make bets on UFC matches. Choose a licensed UFC betting site – Pick a bookmaker regulated by the UK Gambling Commission with strong MMA betting coverage. Any of the options in our article are a great starting point. Create an account – Register your account on the site and confirm it by providing some form of national ID, such as your passport or driving license. Make an initial deposit – Before doing anything else, put some money into your account. This is also the step where you'd confirm your welcome promotion if you opted in for one. Find the UFC section – Navigate to the UFC or mixed martial arts page under the list of sports available on the site. Select a fight – Choose an upcoming fight night or championship card to proceed. Pick a market – Common UFC betting markets include choosing the outright winner, method of victory, and over/under rounds. Add your bet to the slip – Click on the odds next to your selection, enter your stake, and confirm (this process may vary a little between sites but the basics are always the same). Claim your winnings – Providing you guessed correctly, all that's left is to see how much you've won and cash out your winnings. 📺 How to follow all things UFC and MMA For UK MMA and UFC fans, staying up to date with the latest fights, odds, and events is easy with the right sources. TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport) holds the official UFC broadcasting rights in the UK, airing every major card, including fight nights and championship bouts. For news, previews, and betting tips, talkSPORT is a must: check out their dedicated MMA section for expert insights. Other top resources include MMA Junkie, Sherdog, and the UFC's own channels on YouTube and Instagram. Podcasts like The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani and Morning Kombat also offer weekly coverage and fighter interviews. 🙋Q&A about the best UFC betting sites 1. Which stats and news stories should I pay attention to when looking to place UFC bets? Focus on each fighter's record, recent wins/losses, method of victory (e.g. knockout, submission), and fighting style. Also, pay close attention to injury news, weight cut issues, and short-notice opponent changes. Stats on takedown accuracy, striking defence, and cardio can also play a role, and the more research you do, the better your predictions will be. 2. How do bookies determine odds for UFC fights? Bookmakers calculate odds using fighter records, previous matchups, public betting trends, and expert analysis. They consider styles, fight history, current form, and even promotion hype. If a fighter is a fan favourite, odds may shorten due to heavy betting (regardless of true probability), making value bets possible for savvy bettors. 3. When is the best time to place UFC bets so that I can get the best possible odds? Early odds often offer more value, especially before public opinion shifts. Lines may tighten closer to fight night as bets roll in. Watching for line movement and placing wagers before weigh-ins or major media coverage can help you lock in the best possible returns on your stake. 4. Which types of UFC bets tend to offer the best potential returns? Markets like method of victory, round betting, and underdog outright wins typically provide the highest odds and payout potential. For example, backing a fighter to win via submission in Round 2 carries more risk but much bigger winnings than a simple moneyline bet. Parlays or accas also boost potential returns, but are much more difficult to pull off. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.

Daily Mail​

40 minutes ago

• Daily Mail​

Top Liverpool star is 'DISAPPOINTED' with club's contract offer and 'rejects' it - as fears mount that he could 'do a Trent Alexander-Arnold'

Liverpool risk losing Ibrahima Konate on a free next summer after the defender reportedly rejected their initial contract extension offer. Konate is said to be 'disappointed' with Liverpool's proposal because he wants a higher basic wage. The France international, 26, was a bastion of their Premier League title triumph under Arne Slot but only has a year remaining on his deal. There are fears that he could run down his contract and leave for free, as Trent Alexander-Arnold almost did before sporting director Richard Hughes squeezed a £10million fee out of Real Madrid. His camp are pushing for an improved basic wage after Liverpool structured their offer with too many performance-based bonuses, according to The Guardian. Liverpool are known to be stubborn negotiators but did get renewals over the line for Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk last season, with Fenway Sports Group relenting on their habit of denying extensions for players over 30. Konate quickly established himself as a favourite under Slot and started all bar two of the Premier League games that he was eligible for. So impeding was his form for Jarell Quansah that the youngster has has opted to leave Anfield, agreeing a £35million move to Bayer Leverkusen at the weekend. Real Madrid are interested in Konate while Atletico Madrid have apparently made Andy Robertson one of their top targets, so Liverpool's defence may look drastically different in a year's time to what it did last season. Liverpool hope to re-open talks with Konate this summer but do not want to overpay. As Mail Sport reported last week, Liverpool have joined the race for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi. He is heading into the last deal of his deal at Selhurst Park and Palace's bargaining power is weaker than it was a year ago, when they turned down a £65m offer from Newcastle. Jarrad Branthwaite has also been considered by the Anfield hierarchy but signing a player from city rivals Everton would be tricky. Joe Gomez is also still at Liverpool and Arne Slot likes his leadership qualities though he missed a chunk of last season through injury. Liverpool are not pushing him towards the exit door.

The Independent

42 minutes ago

• The Independent

Up 15% in one day: London Stock Exchange set for another £3.8bn loss as Spectris accepts huge bid

Yet another firm looks set to end its London Stock Exchange listing, with specialist equipment business Spectris recommending to shareholders to accept a £3.8bn takeover bid. A cash offer from a private equity firm, Advent International, is for £37.63 per share. Spectris' share price at the close of Friday's session was around £33.48, sparking an immediate jump of 15 per cent when markets reopened on Monday morning - by far the FTSE All-Share's biggest riser on the day. Even so, the price could yet move even higher. While Advent's bid has been accepted, another American investment firm KKR has signalled an intent to potentially make another offer, while the actual change in share price is even bigger when widening the timeline. Spectris makes and tests technologies and instruments for use across many industrial sectors. But falling sales and profits meant the share price fell from above £41 in 2021, to around £25 for most of the second half of 2024. Add in trade tariff uncertainty and shares could be bought below £20 as recently as late May, but the first takeover approaches being made public quickly put a rocket under the price, which has now soared 89 per cent since then. Andrew Heath, CEO of Spectris, said the offer recognised 'our strong growth prospect'. Should the deal go through it would be another 2025 departure for the LSE to chalk up. Alphawave is set for a £1.8bn takeover from Qualcomm, Oxford Ionics has agreed to a £0.8bn takeover by US rival IonQ and financial services firm Wise are intent on shifting their listing from UK to US - that latter being a £10bn departure. They are unlikely to be the last moves made in the sphere either, with valuations continually lower on the LSE than the same firms might expect to see in the if taken private, as AJ Bell's investment director Russ Mould pointed out. 'The fact we've got two bid battles in Spectris and Assura just goes to show how the UK stock market continues to be on sale. If investors don't recognise the good value opportunities on offer, trade buyers or private equity firms will keep swooping on targets and pick them off one by one,' he said.