6 Nov 2017 07:00
6 November 2017
Purplebricks Group plc
Pre-Close Trading Statement
On-course for the full year
Purplebricks Group plc ('Purplebricks' or 'the Group'), the leading hybrid estate agency, confirms that following the closing of the first half of the financial year, it remains on course to meet the board's expectations for the full year.
The Group's Interim Results will be released on 13th December.
For further information, please contact:
Purplebricks | +44 (0) 20 7457 2020 |
Michael Bruce, James Davies | |
Zeus Capital (NOMAD) | +44 (0) 20 3829 5000 |
Nicholas How, Benjamin Robertson | |
Peel Hunt (Broker) | +44 (0) 20 7418 8900 |
Dan Webster, George Sellar | |
Investec Bank (Broker) | +44 (0) 20 7597 5970 |
Keith Anderson, Carlton Nelson | |
Instinctif Partners | +44 (0) 20 7457 2020 |
David Simonson, Mark Reed, George Yeomans |
Notes to Editors
Purplebricks is a leading next generation estate agency operating in the UK, Australia and the US. Purplebricks combines highly experienced and professional Local Property Experts and an innovative use of technology to help make the process of selling, buying or letting so much more convenient, transparent and cost effective. Purplebricks is transforming the way people perceive estate agents and estate agency. Building on its UK success, Purplebricks launched into Australia in August 2016 and the US in September 2017.
Unlike traditional agents, where customers only pay upon the sale of the property, which effectively means that those that do sell pay more in order to cover the costs of those that do not sell, Purplebricks believes it is more equitable that everyone should pay, charging a flat fee at instruction. This helps to avoid the industry issue of timewasters and those that are merely 'testing the water' and underpins the low, flat fee model.
Customers in the UK and Australia can choose to pay at instruction or defer, at no extra cost, to the earlier of ten months from the date of instruction or the date of sale. If a customer wishes to defer payment, they are required to use Purplebricks' conveyancing services for the sale.
Purplebricks charges £849 (inc. VAT) for a sale anywhere in the UK besides London and surrounding areas, where there is a charge of £1,199 (inc. VAT). There are additional charges if the customer wants Purplebricks to undertake the viewings on their behalf, if they require an energy performance certificate or a Rightmove premium display, amongst other services that are available.
The business model is low cost, flexible and cash generative, without the need for an expensive leased estate. LPEs are self-employed and receive a flat fee per instruction and can earn additional fees from the sale of ancillary services including, but not limited to, conveyancing, mortgage referrals and insurance.
Purplebricks listed on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) in December 2015, raising £25m of growth capital before listing costs at 100p per share. In February 2017 Purplebricks raised an additional £50m (gross) through a share placing to fund US expansion.