Purplebricks Reviews 2026: Honest Pros, Cons, and Cheaper Alternatives

Purplebricks built its name as the original UK "online estate agent". After a turbulent few years, an acquisition by Strike in 2023, and a 2024 pricing reshuffle, sellers are right to ask whether it still makes sense in 2026.

What Purplebricks actually offers in 2026

Purplebricks now sells tiered packages rather than a single flat fee. Typical inclusions are:

• Rightmove, Zoopla and PrimeLocation listing
• A floorplan and photography option
• Local "expert" support over the phone
• Optional add-ons: accompanied viewings, premium listings, hosted viewings

The model is no-sale-no-fee on some packages and pay-upfront on others — check the small print before committing.

Pros

• Strong brand recognition and high traffic on its own site.
• Full portal coverage on every package.
• Cheaper than a typical 1.5% high-street commission on most sale prices.

Cons sellers raise most often

• Upfront lump sum. Most paid packages are payable whether the property sells or not.
• Inconsistent local support. The "local expert" model means experience varies sharply by region.
• Add-on creep. The headline price rarely matches the total once viewings, premium listing and hosted slots are added.
• Slow response to enquiries. A recurring theme in Trustpilot reviews through 2025–2026.

The real cost on a £350,000 sale

This is the comparison most sellers actually want:

• High-street agent at the UK average of 1.42% inc. VAT (Rightmove, 2025): £4,970
• Purplebricks paid package + viewings add-on: roughly £1,500–£3,000 upfront
• OffAgent at £99/month for 6 months: £594 total, no commission

Purplebricks beats a high-street agent on price. A flat-fee subscription like OffAgent beats Purplebricks on price and removes the upfront-lump-sum risk if the sale takes longer than expected.

When Purplebricks still makes sense

• You want a single brand to handle viewings and listing under one roof.
• You're confident your home will sell quickly and you're happy paying upfront.
• You value the Purplebricks brand familiarity with buyers in your area.

When a flat-fee subscription is the better fit

• You're comfortable hosting your own viewings (or already plan to).
• You'd rather pay £99/month while listed than a four-figure lump sum upfront.
• You want to keep more of your equity in a flat or slow market.

For a side-by-side breakdown across Purplebricks, Strike, Yopa and OffAgent, see our online estate agents comparison. For the wider commission context, read the true cost of estate agent commission.

Bottom line

Purplebricks is still a legitimate option in 2026 — but it's no longer the cheapest, and the upfront-lump-sum model doesn't suit every seller. If you want Rightmove exposure without the four-figure cheque, see how to list on Rightmove without an agent and compare against OffAgent pricing.