Rightmove, the UK’s leading property portal, is on the brink of a significant legal battle. Accusations have surfaced claiming the company has charged thousands of estate agents unfairly high and excessive subscription fees. A group representing the affected agents estimates the potential damages to reach approximately £1 billion.
The lawsuit, spearheaded by Jeremy Newman, a former panel member of the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), will be brought before the Competition Appeal Tribunal. Newman asserts the case aims to recover the overcharged fees from Rightmove and redistribute them back to the estate agents nationwide.
Describing Rightmove’s conduct, Newman said the portal “exploits its dominant position in the UK online property market to impose unjustifiably high subscription fees, both outright and in comparison to its competitors.” He further highlighted that estate agents have faced relentless and excessive price hikes over time.
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In response, Rightmove acknowledged receiving notice of the potential claim but expressed confidence in the value it provides to its partners.
The litigation is being financially supported by Innsworth Capital Limited, a specialist litigation funding company.
This legal development coincides with major reforms in the UK rental market, as the government prepares to outlaw no-fault evictions in England starting 1 May. New regulations will also phase out fixed-term tenancy contracts in favor of rolling agreements, introduce measures to prevent bidding wars, and clarify pet ownership rules for renters.
While landlords have voiced concerns about increased tenant screening and uncertainties surrounding tenancy disputes, Housing Secretary Steve Reed of the Labour Party emphasized that these reforms mark a decisive move against unscrupulous landlords through the Renters' Rights Act.