Hybrid estate agency launches in South West

Mary Youlden
Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted Friday, January 30, 2015 - 10:24am

Purplebricks.com, the modern model of estate agency, has launched in the South West following successful roll outs across the Meridian and Central regions of the UK.

The transparent estate agent combines the expertise of a Local Property Expert with a unique, 24/7, online platform at a fraction of the cost charged by high street estate agents.

Since its initial launch in April 2014, Purplebricks.com has sold over 1,000 properties and saved consumers over £1.2 million in estate agency fees, with 99% of all properties sold securing the asking price or more.

With 25,442 properties currently on the market across the South West, Purplebricks.com will offer an alternative for thousands of consumers across the country that offers a cost effective, transparent and trustworthy service.

The company is the brainchild of brothers Michael and Kenny Bruce who have an enviable track record of success in the industry having previously built and sold a large estate agency group, and together having over 40 years of experience in the industry.

Wanting to make the process of buying, selling and letting property easier for customers, Michael and Kenny have developed a fully interactive, around the clock estate agency model that allows people to be fully informed of every aspect of their transaction as it happens, at the touch of a button, rather than waiting for an estate agents office to open. There is also full time dedicated advice and support for customers from a team of highly trained and experienced Local Property Experts.

Customers can book a free valuation, provided by a highly experienced Local Property Expert which includes a comprehensive written description, floor plans, professional photographs and a listing on all major property websites including Rightmove, Zoopla and Prime Location.  Customers will also have access to the unique Purplebricks online platform that will provide them complete visibility of every stage of their property sale allowing them to receive real time feedback and the ability to safely and securely communicate with potential buyers through the system.

All of the above is available for a fixed fee of just £665 plus VAT.

In comparison, the average UK High Street estate agent will charge a commission of 1.8%, which results in an average charge for the seller of over £5,800.  For this fee, customers will receive in many cases a lesser service with limited transparency and lack of support from their agent.

Purplebricks.com have become one of the most trusted estate agencies with a rating of 9/10 on Trustpilot, which is substantially higher than many traditional High Street agents who have a rating of less than 4/10. In a recent YouGov survey focused on the Meridian region and commissioned by ITV, those surveyed were four times more likely to use the services of Purplebricks than regional traditional agents. This, coupled with their high trust rating demonstrates Purplebricks are a strong alternative to the outdated, expensive and cumbersome proposition offered by high street estate agents.

The company has also received the support of a number of high profile figures including Neil Woodford, one of Britain’s highest profile fund managers, who recently invested £7 million in Purplebricks.com. Earlier in the year Purplebricks.com also secured multi million pound investment from investors including Paul Pindar, Martin Bolland and DN Capital.

Michael Bruce, CEO of Purplebricks.com, said: “We are continuing our programme of growth with a launch for Purplebricks.com across the South West, building towards being fully nationwide later this year. The success we have had so far has proved that our model works, with thousands of people choosing to engage with the brand, not only because we cost less but because the service from our local property experts has been remarkable and to some, unbelievable. Building on this success we are launching in the South West region where we will continue to challenge the traditional estate agency model that has been left untouched for too long.”

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