ASA upheld CIELA’s complaint against Purplebricks

In October of last year, the ASA upheld CIELA’s complaint against Purplebricks, finding that its “com-misery” advertisements breach the UK Code of Broadcast Advertising (BCAP) Code Rules 3.1, 3.2 and 3.33. It demanded that Purplebricks amend its advertisements to “ensure that when making a comparison to other fee models in their ads, they made it clear that their flat fee was always payable.” Otherwise, PB’s advertisements would continue to be inappropriately misleading.

On January 24th, CIELA filed a renewed complaint with the ASA against Purplebricks, because their online advertisements clearly disregard the instruction given by the ASA.

On February 4th, the ASA communicated the following: “Having considered your complaint, we have determined that it is not necessary to re-investigate the issue, in light of the previous ruling. Instead, we will refer this matter directly to our Compliance team to take action; the Compliance team does not report to complainants or publish the details of its work, but please be assured that it will address the problem.”

As of today (5/2/18), Purplebricks’s website still fails to mention that its flat fee is payable regardless of whether there is a successful sale.

Shared by Samantha Westlake, Charter Secretary of CIELA

EAN Content

Content shared by this account is either news shared free by third parties or sponsored (paid for) content from third parties. Please be advised that links to third party websites are not endorsed by Estate Agent Networking - Please do your own research before committing to any third party business promoted on our website. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

You May Also Enjoy

Home and Living

Restoring the Past: How to Expertly Repair Wooden Windows with PM Windows Ltd

Why Wooden Windows Deserve a Second Life Wooden windows are a hallmark of classic British architecture, offering timeless beauty, warmth, and craftsmanship rarely matched by modern alternatives. Whether adorning a Georgian townhouse or a Victorian terrace, their charm lies in both their aesthetics and their heritage value. However, timber windows are not immune to the…
Read More
Breaking News

Slight rise in house prices as market maintains strength

Halifax House Price Index • House prices increased by +0.3% in April vs -0.5% in March • Average property price now £297,781 compared to £296,899 in previous month • Annual rate of growth at +3.2% up from +2.9% in March • House prices remarkably stable over last six months, down by just £48 • Northern…
Read More
bank of england interest rate
Breaking News

Industry Reacts to Bank Rate Cut

Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark: “Today’s news will no doubt be extremely welcome for many, especially given current economic uncertainties. International bodies have recently stated they expect interest rates to fall in the UK as the year progresses. Overall, we hope to see interest rates further continue their downward trajectory over the course of 2025. …
Read More
Rightmove logo
Breaking News

Rightmove reaction to Bank Rate cut

Matt Smith, Rightmove’s mortgage expert says: “The much-anticipated second rate cut of the year has arrived, and with some lenders having taken their time to pass on the benefits of the expected Bank Rate cut, I think we may now see further reductions in the coming days and weeks. A fresh round of mortgage rate…
Read More
Breaking News

Zoopla crowns Glenrothes the most popular affordable town for families as one in three fear being priced out of their ideal area

New Zoopla research pinpoints Glenrothes in Scotland, with an average three-bedroom home value of £136,900, as the most attractive option for families seeking affordability All of the towns in the top ten are located in Scotland and Wales, apart from Dartford and Swanley in the South East Three-bed homes in the most popular affordable towns…
Read More
Breaking News

UK government admits almost no evidence nature protections block development

Environmental lawyer says it’s deeply frustrating that the Government is pushing major changes to conservation law without supporting data or research Whitehall analysis provides no data or research to support the government argument that environmental legislation holds up building. Ministers say the new bill will speed up housing developments and large infrastructure projects by allowing…
Read More