UK's Rightmove hit with $2 billion lawsuit over estate agent fees
- By Reuters -
- Apr 01, 2026
Rightmove has been named in a 1.5 billion pound ($2 billion) lawsuit in the UK’s Competition Appeal Tribunal by estate agents, alleging UK’s biggest property listing portal has abused its market position by charging them and developers excessive subscription fees.
Shares of the company fell nearly 9% on Wednesday.
The claim – being led by former Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) panel member Jeremy Newman – was first disclosed in November, when potential claims were pegged at a lower 1 billion pound tag.
- Rightmove acknowledged the claims, but deemed them meritless and said the firm will defend itself.
- “Rightmove is confident in the value we provide to our partners and consumers, who are at the core of our business solutions and digital platform,” the company said.
- Over 250 estate agencies from across the UK have expressed interest in and support for the claim since it was first announced, according to a statement from the claimants.
- “There has been an extremely encouraging response from estate agents since we announced this legal action,” Newman said in a statement.
- The UK property sector has been marred by falling market demand and sales in recent years – problems which are further compounded by the ongoing Middle East conflict, pushing up costs and risks of interest rates staying higher for longer.
- The claim is fully funded by Innsworth Capital, with legal support from Scott+Scott UK LLP.