I’ve called and spoke with countless estate agents who have never heard of or used option agreements. It’s unfortunate because option agreements can help agents close deals faster and stand out more in a competitive market. Option agreements give buyers 7-14 days (or longer) of exclusive purchase rights WITHOUT obligation, while sellers get a non-refundable fee. The option fee can be £500-£2,000 or 0.1-0.5% of the purchase price or sometimes higher. Benefits of option agreements: Agents have higher sales odds, less marketing, better reputation. Sellers get an immediate fee, less stress, low risk. The seller keeps the fee if there’s no sale. Both the seller and the buyer benefit from fast, chain-free sale potential. It typically works like this: The buyer/sourcer pays a fee for a short-term “reservation.” The agent pauses marketing, solicitors draft terms. If the buyer proceeds, you earn commission; if not, seller keeps the fee, you relist. Another low-risk tool to add to the shed. Have you used option agreements in the past? I’m curious to know how it worked out for you.

Posted by Adam Robinson at 2025-06-08 11:05:32 UTC