New research from Property DriveBuy shows that estate agents across Great Britain are paying an average of 7.2% of their sales commission to property portal Rightmove. Agents in Glasgow and Newcastle are bearing the brunt, with Glasgow agents parting with 13.5% of their earnings. This study highlights the financial pressure on agents, especially in areas with lower property values, and positions Property DriveBuy as a more cost-effective solution.
Property Portal Fees: A Growing Concern for Estate Agents
Estate agents in Great Britain are finding themselves paying a significant portion of their hard-earned income to property portals. New analysis by Property DriveBuy reveals that, on average, agents are handing over 7. 2% of their sales commission to the market leader, Rightmove. This figure rises sharply in certain cities, with agents in Glasgow and Newcastle feeling the pinch the most.
Property DriveBuy looked at the estimated average sales commission for estate agents across Great Britain and compared it with the average monthly cost of advertising on Rightmove. The findings show a clear disparity in how much agents are contributing to the portal’s revenue, depending on their location.
The Numbers: Commission vs. Portal Fees
In Great Britain, the average house price is £275,923. With an average agency fee of 1. 4%, agents earn approximately £3,918 in commission per property sale. Considering an average branch sells 5. 4 properties each month, this translates to a total monthly commission income of £21,158. In contrast, Rightmove’s average revenue per advertiser stands at £1,524 per month. This means British agents, on average, allocate 7. 2% of their commission to Rightmove.
However, this average masks considerable regional differences. Property DriveBuy’s study of eight major British cities shows that agents in some areas are paying a much larger slice of their income.
Regional Variations in Commission Costs
Agents in Glasgow face the highest fees. With a lower average house price of £190,165 and an average agency fee of 1. 1%, the monthly commission for an agent averages £11,296. When compared to Rightmove’s fees, this works out to a substantial 13. 5% of their earnings.
Newcastle follows closely, with agents there paying 12. 4% of their monthly commission to the portal. Other cities experiencing high percentages include Liverpool (10. 8%), Edinburgh (9. 5%), and Cardiff, Manchester, and Birmingham, all at 8. 7%.
London, by contrast, stands out as an exception. The high average house price in the capital, £565,567, means agents enjoy a much larger average monthly commission income of £51,919. Consequently, Rightmove’s fees represent a smaller proportion of their earnings, just 2. 9%.
Rising Fees, Growing Frustration
The cost of advertising on Rightmove has been a persistent issue for many agents, and this frustration is amplified by the portal’s ongoing fee increases. In 2022, the average annual Rightmove fee was £15,768, rising to £17,172 in 2023. A further 6. 5% increase in 2024 has pushed the average annual cost to £18,288.
Previous research by Property DriveBuy has indicated agents feel increasingly burdened by these price hikes. Many have described the fees as “unreasonably” high and the constant increases as “unjustified,” particularly when they feel there has been little new value added to the platform.
Steve Foreman, Founder and CEO of The Property DriveBuy, commented on the findings: “It’s clear from our research that many agents are paying a disproportionate share of their hard-earned commission to Rightmove, particularly in regions where property values and fees are lower. At a time when operating costs are already under pressure, this model feels increasingly unsustainable for independent agents. The Property DriveBuy was created to offer a genuine alternative a fairer, modern way to connect buyers and properties without hitting agents with heavy fees. Our platform is completely free for agents to use, allowing them to retain more of their income and reinvest in what truly matters: providing great service to clients and growing their businesses.”
Property DriveBuy: A New Approach for Agents
In response to these rising costs and agent frustrations, Property DriveBuy offers a free-to-use platform designed to connect buyers with properties. The app allows users to discover and capture properties while on the move, whether walking or driving. They can then make direct contact with the listing agent. This model aims to provide agents with a cost-effective way to market their properties, enabling them to keep more of their commission and focus on delivering excellent client service.
For agents looking for a more financially sound way to list their properties and connect with potential buyers, Property DriveBuy presents a compelling alternative to expensive portal fees.