Purplebricks Review

Quick Summary

Purplebricks pioneered the online estate agent model in the UK, offering a fixed upfront fee regardless of whether your property sells. While their model can save you money on commission, the service level varies significantly and you'll need to be more hands-on with viewings and negotiations.

Pros

Fixed upfront fee - no commission on sale price
National coverage across the UK
Listed on major portals (Rightmove, Zoopla)
Accompanied viewings available in some packages
Professional photography included
No sale, no additional fee model available

Cons

Upfront payment required before listing
Variable service quality from Local Property Experts
Less personal service than traditional agents
Additional fees for premium services
May achieve lower sale prices than traditional agents
Complaints about difficulty getting refunds if property doesn't sell

How Purplebricks Works

Purplebricks operates on a hybrid online/offline model. You pay an upfront fixed fee (typically £1,199-£1,999) to list your property on major portals including Rightmove and Zoopla. You're then assigned a Local Property Expert (LPE) who handles the initial marketing, photography, and can conduct viewings depending on your package.

Unlike traditional estate agents who take a percentage commission only when your property sells, Purplebricks requires payment upfront. This means you pay regardless of whether your home sells, though they do offer packages with partial refunds if you don't achieve a sale.

The service is designed to be more DIY-friendly, with sellers often conducting their own viewings and negotiations, though you can pay extra for accompanied viewings and more hands-on support.

Fees and Pricing

Purplebricks' main selling point is their fixed-fee structure:

Basic Package: Around £1,199 (pay upfront, no refund if no sale)
Premium Package: Around £1,599-£1,999 (includes partial refund if no sale within 12 months)
Additional Services: Accompanied viewings, conveyancing referrals, and premium photography available at extra cost

For a typical UK home worth £300,000, a traditional agent charging 1.5% commission would cost £4,500 + VAT, making Purplebricks appear significantly cheaper. However, this doesn't account for potential differences in final sale price or the value of full-service support.

Service Quality

Service quality with Purplebricks is highly variable and largely depends on your assigned Local Property Expert. Reviews range from excellent to poor, with common complaints including:

Difficulty reaching your LPE
Lack of proactive communication
Limited negotiation support
Pressure to reduce asking price

On the positive side, many customers praise the professional photography, quick listing times, and cost savings. The service works best for sellers who are confident handling viewings and negotiations themselves, or for properties in high-demand areas that will likely sell quickly.

Marketing and Exposure

Purplebricks provides good marketing exposure, with listings appearing on:

Rightmove
Zoopla
OnTheMarket
Purplebricks.com

Professional photography is included as standard, and floor plans are typically provided. However, the quality of property descriptions and marketing materials can vary depending on your LPE. Some sellers report having to request changes to descriptions or photos multiple times.

Customer Reviews and Reputation

Purplebricks has a mixed reputation:

Trustpilot: Around 4.2/5 stars (though ratings have fluctuated)
Google Reviews: Variable by location (2-4 stars)
Common Complaints: Poor communication, difficulty getting refunds, low offers encouraged
Common Praise: Cost savings, quick service, professional photos

The company has faced regulatory scrutiny and complaints to the Property Ombudsman. However, they've made improvements to their service model in recent years, including clearer refund policies and better training for LPEs.

Final Verdict

Purplebricks can be a good option if you're selling a property in a hot market, you're confident handling viewings yourself, and you want to save on commission fees. However, for most sellers, especially those with unique properties or in slower markets, a traditional local estate agent will likely provide better service and potentially achieve a higher sale price that more than offsets their higher fees. The upfront payment model also means you're taking on more risk compared to commission-only agents.

Best For:

Sellers in high-demand areas with straightforward properties, those confident in their negotiation skills, and budget-conscious sellers willing to be hands-on with the sales process.

Want to Compare Local Estate Agents?

While online agents like Purplebricks can offer great value, traditional local agents often provide better service and achieve higher sale prices. Compare estate agents in your area to find the best fit for your needs.

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