How Does Purplebricks Work? A UK Seller’s Guide to Avoiding Fees

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Considering Purplebricks but want to understand how it works for UK sellers? You're in the right place.

Think of Purplebricks as a middle ground in the property world. It's a hybrid estate agent, blending the convenience of a fixed-fee online service with the local knowledge of property experts. Instead of paying a percentage of your final sale price—a commission that can feel like a blank cheque—you typically pay a set fee. This model aims to give you a clearer idea of your costs and more control over your sale. For UK sellers focused on maximising their returns, understanding this process is the first step towards avoiding fees and keeping more of your equity.

Understanding The Purplebricks Model

Purplebricks was a major disruptor in the UK property market. It challenged the traditional high-street agent model—with its expensive offices and commission-based fees—by building something different. Their system is built around a central online platform, supported by a network of self-employed Local Property Experts. It’s an attempt to offer the best of both worlds: the efficiency of technology and the personal touch of someone who knows your area.

The core idea is simple: offer a cheaper, fixed-cost way to sell your home. You get the essentials covered—a valuation, professional photos, a floor plan, and your property listed on major portals like Rightmove and Zoopla. The trade-off? You handle more of the process yourself, like conducting viewings. This balance between cost and service is central to their business, but for many, the ultimate goal remains selling without agents altogether.

The Hybrid Agent Concept

Imagine a spectrum of selling options. At one end, you have the traditional high-street agent who manages everything for a commission, typically 1% to 3% of your sale price. At the opposite end, you can sell privately, doing all the work yourself but avoiding fees entirely.

Purplebricks sits in the middle. You get professional marketing and expert support, but you manage the day-to-day tasks, like viewings, through their app.

This model was designed to give sellers more transparency and control, not to mention significant savings. For example, on a £300,000 property, a 1.5% commission fee would be £4,500. A fixed fee with Purplebricks could be much lower. This potential saving is a huge reason they became so popular. You can see a real-world example of how these costs stack up in our guide to selling a two-bedroom flat.

At its heart, the Purplebricks model is about unbundling the traditional estate agent's services. It allows you to pay for the essentials—valuation and marketing—while opting out of the more hands-on, costly elements like hosted viewings unless you choose to pay extra.

Before we go further, let's break down how this really differs from the old-school approach.

Purplebricks Model vs Traditional Agent at a Glance

This table breaks down the core differences between selling with Purplebricks and using a traditional high-street estate agent, helping you see the trade-offs at a glance.

Feature	Purplebricks (Hybrid Model)	Traditional Estate Agent
Fee Structure	Fixed fee, paid upfront or deferred.	Commission-based (1-3% of sale price), paid on completion.
Cost	Often thousands cheaper, but payable even if you don't sell.	More expensive, but "no sale, no fee" is the standard.
Viewings	Typically conducted by the homeowner.	Hosted by the agent.
Communication	Managed through an online portal/app.	Phone calls, emails, and face-to-face meetings.
Local Presence	Self-employed "Local Property Experts" cover large areas.	Physical high-street office with a dedicated local team.
Control	Homeowner has more direct control over the process.	Agent manages most of the process on the seller's behalf.

Seeing it side-by-side makes it clear: the choice comes down to how much you're willing to pay versus how much you're willing to do yourself.

A Disruptor in the UK Market

Purplebricks made its mark fast, thanks to its fixed-fee promise that resonated with UK sellers tired of high, unpredictable commissions. By 2017, the company reported it had sold £5.8 billion worth of property, showing how quickly homeowners embraced this new way of selling.

However, for many sellers, even a fixed fee is an unnecessary cost. The desire for total financial control and a truly zero-cost sale has paved the way for platforms like NoAgent.Properties. Here, you can list your home completely free and manage the entire sale without any agents or fees whatsoever—it represents the next evolution in empowering homeowners.

Breaking Down the Purplebricks Fee Structure

Understanding the Purplebricks fee structure is crucial before deciding if their model is right for you. While built on a simple fixed-fee promise, their pricing has evolved, offering more choice but also more complexity.

The core appeal has always been ditching the traditional agent's percentage-based commission. Instead of your fee rising with your sale price, Purplebricks offers a menu of options. It provides cost certainty, but with its own set of rules.

The biggest distinction? With many of their packages, you pay the fee whether your property sells or not. This is a world away from the "no sale, no fee" guarantee that’s standard practice on the high street. It’s a risk you take for a potentially lower overall cost.

Core Packages and What They Include

Purplebricks has moved to a tiered system to cater to different seller needs and budgets. While the packages can change, they generally follow a simple pattern: the more you pay, the more service you get.

Their most basic option, often free, is really just a foot in the door. It usually includes a valuation and a listing on the Purplebricks website, but—and this is a big one—it often excludes major portals like Rightmove and Zoopla. For any UK seller serious about getting maximum exposure, this makes the free package a non-starter without paying for upgrades.

The paid packages bundle in what most people consider essentials:

Professional Photography and Floorplans: Critical for creating an online advert that attracts clicks.
Listings on Rightmove & Zoopla: Arguably the most valuable part, putting your property in front of the UK's biggest audience of buyers.
A 'For Sale' Board: A traditional but still effective tool for generating local interest.

Even with these packages, some services you'd expect from a traditional agent are still considered add-ons.

Understanding the Add-Ons and Extra Costs

This is where things can get tricky. The initial fixed fee is rarely the final bill if you need more support. Think of it like a budget airline ticket—the flight is covered, but you’re paying extra for bags, seat selection, and a drink.

Common paid extras include:

Hosted Viewings: If you can't or don't want to show people around yourself, you can pay a hefty extra fee (often £899 or more) for a Purplebricks rep to do it.
Premium Listings: To make your property stand out on Rightmove, you can pay for 'premium' or 'featured' placements, adding another £125-£149 to your bill.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): If you don't have a valid EPC, they can arrange one for a fee, typically around £119.

These costs can add up, turning an appealingly low fee into a much larger number. It’s vital to calculate all potential expenses. For anyone aiming for a completely fee-free sale, exploring alternatives for selling without agents is the best path. Platforms like NoAgent.Properties let you achieve a listing for free, giving you full control while avoiding fees entirely.

The 'No Sale, No Fee' Guarantee and Recent Price Shifts

Purplebricks has started offering "no sale, no fee" options, but they often come with conditions. For example, you might have to use their partner conveyancing service to qualify. If you don't, you could be liable for the full fee, sale or not. Always read the small print.

The key takeaway is that "no sale, no fee" from a hybrid agent often has more conditions than the straightforward promise from a traditional high-street agent.

Recently, the company's pricing has become more aggressive to win back market share, with dramatic moves like a 26% price cut from day one of new leadership. This highlights the intense competition in the UK market.

Ultimately, Purplebricks can save you money, but it’s a model for proactive sellers. If your goal is to sell fast and for the best price, it's also worth understanding if you'll need to find cash buyers for your house or flat, as this can influence your entire selling strategy.

Your Selling Journey from Valuation to Completion

So, how does Purplebricks actually work once you decide to sell? Let's walk through the entire process from a UK seller's perspective. From booking a valuation to final completion, each stage has its own quirks.

It all starts online, where you book a free, no-obligation valuation. This is your first interaction with their system and a chance to meet one of their Local Property Experts.

This flowchart summarises the core process after you commit. Once you've paid the fee and your property is live, the focus shifts to marketing and managing enquiries.

The Initial Valuation and Listing Creation

The first step is a visit from a Purplebricks Local Property Expert. They'll assess your home, discuss the local market, and suggest an asking price.

An actionable insight for sellers: do your own research beforehand. Check what similar properties nearby have recently sold for. This empowers you to have an informed discussion about the valuation and ensure the asking price is right for you—you have the final say.

If you proceed, you'll choose your package. Whether it's a basic listing or a paid option to get on Rightmove and Zoopla, the expert will then arrange for professional photos and a floorplan.

Once ready, they'll draft the property advert. You get to review and approve everything before it goes live, ensuring your home is presented in its best light.

Managing Viewings and Offers Through the App

Once your listing is live, you'll handle enquiries from potential buyers via the Purplebricks app and online dashboard. Every viewing request, message, and offer comes directly to you.

You’ll get a notification for each request, and it’s up to you to respond and book a suitable time. This is a significant difference from a traditional agent, who would manage this for you. The control is in your hands, but so is the administration.

Here’s what handling your own viewings entails:

Scheduling: You coordinate directly with buyers to find a slot.
Preparation: Ensuring your home is immaculate for every visit.
Hosting: You show people around, highlighting key features and answering questions.

If hosting viewings feels daunting, Purplebricks offers a 'Hosted Viewings' package for an extra fee (usually around £899). However, for many UK sellers, the whole point is selling without agents to dodge these fees, so paying for add-ons can feel counterproductive.

When an offer is made, it appears on your dashboard. You can accept, reject, or negotiate directly with the buyer through the platform. This transparency is a major draw—you see everything as it happens.

From Offer Accepted to Sales Progression

Once you accept an offer, the process moves to sales progression. Your Local Property Expert's role diminishes, and your case is handed to Purplebricks' central Post-Sales Support team.

Their job is to liaise between you, your buyer, both sets of solicitors, and others in the chain.

This team is responsible for:

Issuing the Memorandum of Sale to all parties.
Chasing solicitors for updates on searches, contracts, and enquiries.
Keeping you informed as you move towards exchanging contracts.

As you navigate these stages, staying organised is vital. You can find tips on effective document management strategies to help streamline this part of the process. For sellers managing the sale themselves, a good system is non-negotiable.

The handover to a central team is a key moment. Your contact shifts from a local expert to a remote team, which some sellers find impersonal. Staying proactive in your communication is crucial during this final stretch.

The team’s goal is to get your sale over the line. However, this is where a high-volume online model can sometimes show strain. Being proactive and chasing for updates yourself can help keep things moving.

For sellers who prefer direct control throughout, platforms like NoAgent.Properties offer an alternative where you manage the entire sale yourself. For instance, a listing like this flat for sale in Maidstone allows the owner to maintain full control right through to completion, without intermediaries.

Weighing Up Purplebricks: The Good, The Bad, and The Costly

So, is Purplebricks the right choice for selling your UK home? To answer that, you need a clear look at the pros and cons. Their hybrid model is a tempting alternative, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.

The biggest draw is the potential savings. By swapping a percentage-based commission for a fixed fee, you could keep thousands of pounds, especially on a higher-value home. That upfront cost provides financial certainty.

Then there's the online dashboard. It puts you in control, letting you track viewings, see offers in real-time, and communicate directly with buyers. For hands-on sellers who want to know exactly what’s happening, this transparency is a huge benefit.

The Advantages of the Purplebricks Model

At its core, the appeal of Purplebricks comes down to cost and control. For sellers comfortable taking an active role, the benefits can be significant.

Here’s a quick rundown of the main positives:

Serious Cost Savings: The fixed-fee model is almost always cheaper than a high street agent. On a £400,000 home, a 1.5% commission is £6,000. A Purplebricks package will be a fraction of that.
Total Transparency: Your online dashboard gives you 24/7 access to your sale's progress. No more waiting for your agent to call with feedback.
You're in Control: You manage viewing schedules and handle negotiations directly, empowering you to drive the sale on your own terms.

These points make it an attractive option, but it's vital to weigh them against the potential downsides.

The Potential Drawbacks and Risks

The biggest risk with Purplebricks is paying their fee without a guaranteed sale. While they offer "no sale, no fee" deals, their classic packages often require payment upfront (or deferred), whether your house sells or not. This is a major departure from traditional agents who only get paid on completion.

Another common concern is the level of support. Your Local Property Expert is self-employed and may cover a large area. Once you accept an offer, you're often handed over to a central post-sales team, which can feel less personal than having a dedicated local agent.

The most significant shift in responsibility is hosting your own viewings. While this gives you control, it also demands your time and confidence in showing your own home. If you're not comfortable with this, the cost of their hosted viewings add-on (often £899 or more) can quickly erode your initial savings.

Customer experiences vary widely. Purplebricks is the most reviewed agency on Trustpilot, with over 80,000 reviews and a 4.3 out of 5 rating. But that score has slipped, and on the agent-review site allAgents, they score just 1.25 out of 5. This gap highlights the inconsistent experiences of UK sellers.

Comparing Your Selling Options

Making the right choice means understanding the trade-offs between cost, control, and support. Here's a helpful comparison for UK sellers:

Factor	Purplebricks	Traditional Agent	NoAgent.Properties
Cost	Fixed upfront fee (often £1,000+)	1% – 3% commission on sale price	£0 listing fee
Control	High (you manage viewings & comms)	Low (agent handles everything)	Total (you're in the driving seat)
Support	Varies (local expert then central team)	High (dedicated, personal agent)	Community & online guides
Payment Trigger	Upfront or on completion (package-dependent)	Only on successful completion	No fees, nothing to trigger

Ultimately, there's no single "best" way to sell. Each route offers a different balance. For UK sellers wanting to eliminate fees entirely while retaining full control, platforms like NoAgent.Properties present a clear, actionable alternative. You can list your home completely free, just like the owner of this 2-bedroom flat for sale in Wembley Park did. The right choice depends on your budget, how hands-on you want to be, and your appetite for risk.

Is There a Way to Skip Agent Fees Altogether?

Let's be direct: the main reason UK sellers consider Purplebricks is to save money on traditional commission fees. But the sticking point for many is that upfront payment. Why pay before your house is even sold? This has pushed savvy homeowners to seek modern alternatives that scrap fees completely.

The great news? It's now entirely possible to manage a successful sale and avoid fees by selling without an agent. This approach puts you firmly in control, letting you make all the decisions. It’s the next logical step for any seller wanting to keep every penny of their property's value.

The Rise of Free Listing Platforms

A new generation of platforms challenges the need for any agent at all. These services are designed for proactive UK sellers who want to manage the process themselves while still getting the massive marketing reach of major property websites.

NoAgent.Properties is a prime example. The platform gives you the tools for a listing for free on giants like Rightmove and Zoopla, at absolutely no cost. You take the photos, write the description, and speak directly with buyers. No miscommunication, no delays.

The image below sums up the promise: a completely free way to get your home on the market.

This model cuts out the middleman entirely. That means no fixed fee, no commission, and no hidden charges. It is the most actionable way to sell your property while avoiding fees.

Who Is the Zero-Fee Model For?

This listing for free approach is a dream for UK sellers who are organised, confident, and motivated to keep 100% of their sale proceeds. It's an excellent fit for:

Hands-on Sellers: People who prefer to manage their own viewing schedules and handle negotiations directly.
Budget-Conscious Owners: Anyone determined to eliminate all selling costs to maximise their equity.
Tech-Savvy Individuals: Those comfortable using an online dashboard to manage their listing and communicate with buyers.

By taking charge, you don't just save thousands of pounds. You also get unfiltered, direct feedback from buyers and a real-time feel for market interest. It's pure, direct communication.

And it’s working. Homeowners are successfully selling without agents, just like the owner of this two-bedroom flat in Knightsbridge, by using free platforms to connect with a huge pool of buyers. It demonstrates that with the right tools, you can achieve a top-tier sale price without paying a penny in agent fees.

The Big Questions: What You Really Want to Know

Even after a deep dive, a few key questions always pop up. Let's tackle the common queries UK homeowners have when considering Purplebricks.

Will I Have to Pay If My House Doesn't Sell?

This is the number one question for UK sellers. The answer depends on the package you choose.

While Purplebricks now offers a "no sale, no fee" option, you must read the fine print. It is often tied to using their partner services, like a recommended conveyancer. If you choose a classic fixed-fee package and pay upfront (or defer it), then yes, you are typically liable for the fee whether your property sells or not. Always check the agreement before signing.

For a completely risk-free approach, platforms like NoAgent.Properties offer a truly zero-cost alternative. You can list your home for free, meaning you genuinely pay nothing, sale or no sale. It's the ultimate way of avoiding fees.

Does the Local Property Expert Handle Viewings?

In short, no. The standard Purplebricks fee covers the valuation, online listing, and support. You are expected to host your own viewings.

If you are unable or unwilling to do them, you can purchase their "Hosted Viewings" package for an extra cost. Be aware, this add-on can significantly increase your total bill. This DIY approach is a core part of their model, which is a step towards selling without agents.

What Happens After I've Accepted an Offer?

Once you've agreed on a price and accepted an offer, the process shifts. Your Local Property Expert's direct involvement is mostly finished.

Your file is then handed to Purplebricks' central Post-Sales Support team. This remote team manages the sales progression, chasing solicitors and keeping the chain moving. Your main point of contact switches from a local expert to this centralised department.

Ready to take full control and sell your home while avoiding fees entirely? With NoAgent Properties Ltd, you can list your property for free and connect directly with buyers, keeping 100% of your sale price. Start your free listing today.