Estate agents in Glasgow are surrendering the biggest slice of their hard-earned commission to Rightmove according to research from The Property DriveBuy.
Across Britain, agents are paying an average 7.2% of their sales commission to the portal giant. But in some cities, that figure is almost double.
The Property DriveBuy compared average agent commission with the typical monthly Rightmove fee.
With an average UK house price of £275,923 and a standard 1.4% fee, the typical branch earns £21,158 a month in commission from 5.4 sales – yet pays Rightmove £1,524, or 7.2% of that income.
SWALLOWED UP
In Glasgow, however, where lower house prices (£190,165) and leaner agency fees (1.1%) reduce earnings to £11,296 a month, Rightmove’s charges swallow 13.5% of agents’ commission.
Newcastle follows at 12.4%, with Liverpool (10.8%), Edinburgh (9.5%), and Cardiff, Manchester and Birmingham (all 8.7%) close behind.
London stands out as the exception – its high average price of £565,567 means Rightmove fees represent just 2.9% of an agent’s commission income.
Rightmove’s pricing has been climbing steadily, up from £15,768 in 2022 to £18,288 in 2024, a rise of 16% in two years.
Agents have repeatedly criticised the hikes as “unjustified” given what they see as a lack of added value.
UNSUSTAINABLE MODEL
Steve Foreman, Founder and CEO of The Property DriveBuy, says: “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.”
FREE FOR AGENTS
And he adds: “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.”
