Purplebricks Group Plc is a UK-based online estate agent that offers property sales and letting services at a cheaper fee than traditional high street estate agents. At a fixed fee of £899 for selling a property, Purplebricks tells its clients that they can save thousands that they would have otherwise spent on traditional estate agent commission fees.
While Purplebricks stands out as one of the pioneers of the online estate agent model in the United Kingdom, it has also received a fair share of criticism and complaints from its customers. This article aims to provide an unbiased and thorough review of Purplebricks Group Plc complaints to help you decide if it’s the right estate agent for you.
Purplebricks Group Plc complaints The Pros of Using Purplebricks Group Plc
1. Convenience
One of the biggest advantages of using Purplebricks is convenience. Rather than having to take time out of your day to meet with an estate agent, Purplebricks allows you to manage the viewings and sale of your property from the comfort of your own home. Once you’ve signed up with the platform, you’ll be assigned a local property expert who can guide you through the process of selling or letting your property.
2. Fixed Fee
The biggest appeal of Purplebricks Group plc is the fixed fee. This puts some transparency over costs and some people prefer it over a commission-based system that traditional estate agents follow. This flat rate applies to both basic and premium packages and both include sales progression, valuation support, marketing photos, interactive floorplans, 24/7 support. The premium package also offers a host of extras, including professional photos, accompanied viewings, and a more refined targeted marketing campaign.
3. A High Number Of Positive Feedbacks
While there are some negatives out there, a high number of satisfied Purplebricks customers provide positive feedback in their service. Some review sites like Trustpilot offer more than 80% positive feedback. It means that despite some negative feedback, the majority of customers using their service are happy with it, and most praise it for its ease of use, professionalism, and low costs.
Purplebricks Group Plc complaints The Cons of Using Purplebricks Group Plc
1. Hidden Fees
While Purplebricks charges a fixed fee for their services, some clients reported being charged additional fees that they weren’t aware of when they signed up. For example, some users reported additional charges for services like photography and video marketing that weren’t included in their initial package.
2. Unreliable Property Expert
As an online estate agent, Purplebricks relies solely on its local property experts to arrange viewings and manage property sales. While some of these experts are highly qualified and competent, others have received criticism for being slow to respond to messages or providing inaccurate advice and property valuations.
3. Poor After-sales Service
Some clients feel that Purplebricks’ after-sales service leaves a lot to be desired. Once a property has been sold, it’s not uncommon for some clients to find it difficult to get in touch with their local property expert or receive prompt communication, something they had enjoyed during the sales process.
Purplebricks Group Plc complaints Conclusion:
Like any other online estate agent, Purplebricks Group Plc has its pros and cons. While it offers the convenience of selling your property from the comfort of your own home, it does have some limitations when it comes to reliability and quality of service from property experts.
The fixed fee is an attractive option for some clients, especially those with properties in the lower and middle-end market, but hidden charges and extra costs have left a sour taste in some people’s mouths. However, the majority of the feedback online seems to point towards positive experiences with the service.
Before you decide whether to use Purplebricks or any other online estate agent, it’s best to evaluate your specific needs from an estate agent and assess the options available. Only then you can make a decision that best meets your unique requirements.