Purple Bricks – once hailed as the disruptive force in the UK property market – has undergone dramatic changes that have stirred interest across platforms like YouTube, Google, Quora, and X (formerly Twitter). Founded in 2012, the hybrid estate agent promised a tech-forward, fixed-fee alternative to traditional agencies. However, recent controversies, ownership changes, and a complete shift in business model have people questioning what went wrong – or what’s coming next.

The Rise of Purple Bricks

Purple Bricks entered the property scene with a bold mission: to shake up how Britons buy and sell homes. By offering fixed-fee listings, online dashboards, and 24/7 customer access, it quickly attracted attention. Unlike traditional high street agents who take a commission from the sale price, Purple Bricks charged an upfront fee, regardless of whether the house sold. This appealed to sellers wanting to save thousands in fees.

With catchy advertising and sleek tech, the company grew rapidly. In 2015, it went public on the London Stock Exchange, raising significant capital. By 2017, it expanded internationally, launching operations in Australia, the US, and Canada. For a brief moment, Purple Bricks was the darling of PropTech – Property Technology – and was listed among the fastest-growing firms in the UK.

A Storm Behind the Screens

As the company scaled, problems began to surface. While the concept was revolutionary, execution struggled. Sellers complained of inadequate support, poor communication, and missed sales opportunities. Because Purple Bricks paid its agents per instruction rather than per sale, critics argued that there was little incentive to follow through with successful transactions.

On Trustpilot and YouTube, reviews began shifting from glowing endorsements to cautionary tales. Google search trends show spikes in queries like “Is Purple Bricks a scam?” and “Can I get a refund from Purple Bricks?” This concern was amplified in Australia and the US, where mismanagement and losses led to complete withdrawal from those markets by 2019.

What Really Happened with Purple Bricks UK

Despite early international setbacks, Purple Bricks continued to operate in the UK. However, under the surface, things were far from stable. By 2022, it reported continued financial losses and a shrinking market share. The fixed-fee model, once its unique selling point, became its Achilles’ heel – sellers didn’t want to pay upfront in an uncertain housing market.

Internal leadership changes created further instability. Following the resignation of founders Michael and Kenny Bruce, succeeding CEOs found it difficult to change direction. The brand, once known for cutting-edge service, became synonymous with poor reviews and inconsistent performance.

The Strike Acquisition and Business Model U-Turn

In a twist few saw coming, online competitor Strike acquired Purple Bricks in May 2023 for just £1 – a staggering fall from its previous valuation of over £1.4 billion. The real estate industry was rocked by the deal. While Strike’s model was also digital-first, it offered free listings funded through optional add-ons and mortgage referrals.

Following the acquisition, Purple Bricks effectively shut down its old operations. The brand remained, but the business model was completely overhauled. In essence, Purple Bricks became a new version of Strike, offering sellers a “free” option, heavily upsold with additional services. Some agents were laid off, others moved under Strike’s umbrella, and long-time customers expressed confusion about the dramatic shift.

On Meta platforms, especially Facebook property groups, discussions have become more intense. Users share mixed reactions – some excited by the idea of free listings, others sceptical due to past experiences. Quora also reflects this polarisation, with threads titled “Is Purple Bricks now Strike?” and “Should I trust Purple Bricks in 2025?”

Current Services and How They Compare

Today, Purple Bricks positions itself as a “zero-commission” estate agent. Sellers can list their home for free, but are nudged toward add-ons like professional photography, hosted viewings, premium listings, and conveyancing services. The aim is to monetise through volume and cross-selling rather than upfront fees.

Here’s how the current offering stacks up against traditional estate agents and online competitors:

No upfront cost: Appealing in today’s uncertain market.

Optional paid extras: Can become expensive depending on what you choose.

Reduced in-person support: Agents may cover large areas, which affects availability.

Mortgage referrals and conveyancing: the main source of income at the moment.

Compared to high street agents, the savings can be significant – but that’s only if the property sells and the seller is confident managing the process online.

Public Sentiment and Online Trends

Recent Google Trends data shows renewed interest in Purple Bricks, especially queries like “Purple Bricks Strike takeover,” “Purple Bricks refund,” and “Purple Bricks vs Yopa.” Meanwhile, YouTube content creators in the property niche have released videos with titles like “Purple Bricks: What Went Wrong” and “Should You Use Purple Bricks in 2025?” – racking up hundreds of thousands of views.

On X, real estate professionals and customers are openly debating the hybrid agency model. The hashtag #PurpleBricks is active again, especially during key housing market updates or when the brand is trending due to press coverage. Tweets range from sarcastic jabs to genuine advice, such as:

“Purple Bricks going free sounds good on paper, but read the fine print. Nothing’s really free in property sales. #UKHousing #PurpleBricks”

“Used Purple Bricks last year – never again. Good concept, but Strike model isn’t any better. Would rather pay for peace of mind.”

These findings imply that although the brand is still well-known, trust is a significant roadblock to expansion.

Legal Complaints and Customer Disputes

One of the reasons for Purple Bricks’ decline was the number of formal complaints. The Property Ombudsman received thousands of grievances, ranging from misleading claims to slow refunds and lack of follow-up from local agents. At one point, the company faced potential legal action over employment practices involving self-employed agents.

Even in its new form under Strike, old liabilities and reputation issues linger. Customers who listed homes before the takeover often found themselves in limbo, struggling to get support or clarity on next steps.

Trustpilot reviews now reflect this confusion. While some new reviews praise the “no-fee” model, others warn that you’ll “get what you pay for.” The recurring theme: Purple Bricks may be cost-effective, but it comes with a learning curve and potential trade-offs.

Is Purple Bricks Worth It in 2025?

The real question many UK sellers and buyers are asking is – is it still worth using Purple Bricks in its new avatar?

For tech-savvy sellers in major cities with high demand, Purple Bricks can still be a viable option. It’s particularly suited to those confident in handling communications, managing viewings, and negotiating directly with buyers. However, if you want a hands-off process, traditional agents may be better despite their higher costs.

YouTube property influencers are now producing side-by-side comparisons of Purple Bricks versus competitors like Yopa, eMoov, or even traditional chains like Connells or Haart. These comparisons often show that while Purple Bricks leads in affordability, it trails in customer service, flexibility, and accountability.

Industry Reactions and What Lies Ahead

The property industry has been divided in its reaction. Some believe Strike’s acquisition could breathe new life into Purple Bricks, provided the business stays transparent and learns from past missteps. Others argue the brand is too damaged to rebuild trust at scale.

Industry leaders like Rightmove and Zoopla have seen how hybrid agents impact listings. While Purple Bricks still contributes significant volume, its influence has waned. Competitors are watching closely, especially as the UK housing market becomes more volatile due to interest rate changes and inflation concerns.

If Purple Bricks can master the balance between affordability and trust, there may still be a future. But it will depend on customer experience, agent support, and clarity in service delivery – not just slick marketing.

What People Are Searching and Saying

Here are some of the most searched and discussed queries across platforms:

“Is Purple Bricks now free?”

“Why did Purple Bricks fail?”

“Purple Bricks vs Strike”

“How to get money back from Purple Bricks?”

“Who owns Purple Bricks in 2025?”

“Can I still list with Purple Bricks UK?”

These questions reflect a broader uncertainty. Sellers are wary, buyers are cautious, and even professionals hesitate to recommend the platform without caveats.

The most watched TikToks and Reels on Meta often poke fun at the “DIY estate agent” model, showing frustrated users trying to chase viewings, handle paperwork, or get updates. While humorous, they reflect real experiences that can impact a decision to use the service.

FAQs

What has happened to Purplebricks in 2024?

Purplebricks, once a disruptive force in the UK property market, has undergone major changes in 2024. The company was acquired by Strike, a rival online estate agent, after years of financial struggles and market confidence issues. Since the acquisition, Purplebricks has significantly scaled back its operations and ceased direct listing services, now redirecting users to Strike’s platform for all new property transactions. Many users on Google and YouTube have been searching to understand if the brand still operates independently—technically it does not. It’s now a legacy name under Strike’s broader digital estate agency umbrella.

Is Purplebricks still operating for sellers and landlords?

While the website is still live, Purplebricks no longer offers new property listings as of mid-2024. Sellers and landlords visiting the site are now redirected to Strike for property services. Existing customers can still access their accounts to manage active listings or tenancy issues, but all new business is handled through Strike. This has caused confusion among users, particularly on Quora and Reddit, where many express uncertainty about where to go for support. The migration process was publicly announced but received criticism due to limited customer communication and abrupt service changes.

Why did Purplebricks decline after initial success?

The fall of Purplebricks is widely attributed to several factors. Market saturation, poor customer service reviews, and controversial pricing models hurt its reputation over time. Additionally, the company’s international expansion efforts in Australia and the US resulted in massive financial losses. On platforms like X (formerly Twitter), users have recently revived threads discussing these missteps under hashtags like #PurplebricksFail and #EstateAgentShakeup. A key lesson from their decline is that digital disruption in property services must still be grounded in reliable customer care and transparent pricing.

Can I still contact Purplebricks for support?

Yes, support is still available for existing customers, primarily through the Purplebricks website. However, since Strike has taken over operations, support responses may be delayed or redirected. Several users have flagged issues on YouTube and Trustpilot about slower response times and unclear instructions during the platform’s transition. If you’re facing issues, using Strike’s contact page may be more effective now than relying on legacy Purplebricks support systems.

Are online estate agents like Purplebricks still worth it?

The online estate agent model remains popular due to its cost-effectiveness, especially in a tough housing market. However, with Purplebricks stepping back, alternatives like Yopa, Strike, and Nested have gained more attention. On YouTube and TikTok, content creators are reviewing these platforms in 2024, highlighting their pros and cons. While the low-cost model is appealing, it’s essential to check service quality, local agent support, and hidden fees. Many users now look for hybrid models offering both tech and human interaction.

To Conclude

Purple Bricks – once the trailblazer of online estate agents – has seen the full cycle of hype, collapse, and cautious rebirth. Its transformation under Strike offers a second chance, but one that comes with new conditions and expectations. While its current model appeals to budget-conscious sellers, the question of trust still looms large.

Whether Purple Bricks thrives again or remains a cautionary tale of tech over promise depends on how well it can rebuild credibility while delivering real value. For now, the brand is in flux, and potential customers should approach with eyes wide open and full awareness of the pros and cons.

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