Purplebricks Complaints: What You Need to Know Before Choosing an Online Estate Agent

Purplebricks has become a well-known name in the online real estate world, offering a low-cost alternative to traditional estate agents. However, behind the promise of savings and convenience lies a wave of customer complaints that potential sellers should be aware of before committing to their services.

The Illusion of Savings

At first glance, Purplebricks appears to offer a great deal, with their flat-fee structure saving sellers potentially thousands of pounds. But what many customers don't realize is that these savings can sometimes come at a significant cost—both financially and emotionally.

Many of the complaints stem from the realization that the flat fee must be paid whether the property sells or not. Unlike traditional estate agents, who usually take a commission only upon a successful sale, Purplebricks charges upfront. This means that if your property doesn’t sell, you’re still out of pocket by hundreds or even thousands of pounds.

Customer Service Woes

One of the most common complaints about Purplebricks revolves around customer service. While the company markets itself as a tech-savvy, modern alternative to traditional agents, many customers have found that their service is far from seamless. Issues range from unresponsive local agents to difficulties in getting hold of customer support. The dissatisfaction with customer service is often echoed in online reviews, where disgruntled customers share their frustrations with poor communication and a lack of assistance during the selling process.

The Role of the Local Property Experts

Purplebricks prides itself on offering a hybrid model, combining the convenience of online services with the local knowledge of property experts. However, the effectiveness of these experts has come under scrutiny. Many customers complain that their local property experts are not as engaged or knowledgeable as traditional estate agents. Some have reported that their experts were difficult to contact or lacked the necessary expertise to negotiate effectively on their behalf.

Misleading Marketing Practices

Another area of concern is Purplebricks' marketing practices. Some customers have felt misled by the company's advertising, which suggests a much smoother and more successful selling process than many have experienced. There have been reports of discrepancies between what was promised and what was delivered, with some sellers finding themselves locked into lengthy contracts or facing unexpected fees.

Legal and Regulatory Issues

Over the years, Purplebricks has faced several legal challenges and complaints filed with regulatory bodies. These issues range from accusations of misleading advertising to failures in adhering to proper real estate practices. For example, in 2019, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) upheld complaints against Purplebricks for misleading claims in their advertising. This not only tarnished the company's reputation but also raised questions about the integrity of their business model.

Alternatives to Purplebricks

Given the widespread complaints, potential sellers might want to consider alternatives to Purplebricks. Traditional estate agents, while often more expensive, offer a more comprehensive and personalized service. Other online estate agents, such as Yopa and Strike, also provide competitive pricing but with different service structures that might better suit certain sellers.

Conclusion

While Purplebricks offers an attractive alternative to traditional estate agents, it’s crucial to be fully aware of the potential downsides before making a decision. Customer complaints highlight issues with service quality, misleading practices, and the financial risks involved. By understanding these factors, sellers can make a more informed choice about whether Purplebricks is the right fit for their needs.

Ultimately, the decision to use Purplebricks or any other online estate agent should be made with caution. Researching and understanding the fine print, reading customer reviews, and comparing alternatives can help mitigate the risks and ensure a smoother, more successful property sale.